Palácio Foz

Palácio Foz is a historic palace in Lisbon, standing on Praça dos Restauradores right beside the Baixa district. Once known as Palácio Castelo Melhor, it is now one of the best-known buildings in this part of the city and is listed as a cultural heritage monument in Portugal.

Where is Palácio Foz?

The palace sits on Praça dos Restauradores, one of the main squares of central Lisbon, next to Baixa. Its coordinates are roughly 38.7157 N, 9.1427 W. Being in the city centre, it is easy to combine with a walk through the surrounding streets and squares.

What is the history of the palace?

The original estate belonged to the Castelo Melhor family, at that time still counts, later marquises. The 1755 earthquake flattened the old palace of the count, so a new building had to be constructed. Works are described as running from 1755 to 1777.

Further building phases were ordered in 1792 by the 2nd Marquis of Castelo Melhor, with the Italian-born architect Francisco Xavier Fabri in charge. The result was a neoclassical building dating from the late 18th century. Another round of works followed in 1845, commissioned by the 4th Marquis on the recommendation of Lisbon's city council, and finished in 1858.

Why is it called Foz?

In 1889 the 1st Marquis da Foz, Tristão Guedes Correia de Queirós, bought the palace. He had it modified, hiring the architect José António Gaspar for the job. The building took its name from its new owner, and the name Palácio Foz has stuck ever since.

How was the palace used in the 20th century?

Between 1910 and 1939 the building housed several businesses. These included the restaurant "A Abadia", the "Pastelaria Foz" pastry shop and the "Central" cinema hall. This varied history shows how a former aristocratic residence quickly became part of everyday city life in Lisbon.

What is Palácio Foz today?

Today the palace houses part of Portugal's Ministry of Culture. Among its occupants is the Cinemateca Portuguesa – Museu do Cinema, the Portuguese film archive and cinema museum. The palace spaces have also been used for cultural events, for example as part of the Lisbon Triennale.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the palace's present look? The late 18th-century neoclassical design is credited to the Italian architect Francisco Xavier Fabri. The changes after 1889 were carried out by José António Gaspar.

Why is it called Foz? The name comes from the Marquis da Foz, who bought the building in 1889.

What is inside? Part of the building is occupied by the Cinemateca Portuguesa – Museu do Cinema and other bodies linked to the Ministry of Culture.

Is Palácio Foz the same as Palácio do Planalto? No. Palácio do Planalto is the presidential workplace in Brasília, Brazil. Palácio Foz is in Lisbon and has an entirely different history.

How do I reach Restauradores Square? The square is in central Lisbon by Baixa, so it is usually a short walk from neighbouring districts.

Why visit Palácio Foz?

It is a good example of how Lisbon's buildings were rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake and reshaped by successive generations. The palace combines the story of an aristocratic family, nineteenth-century changes of ownership and a modern cultural role. For anyone interested in architecture, cinema or Portuguese history, it is a worthwhile stop when exploring the city centre. The facade on Restauradores stands out from the surrounding buildings and shows the character of this part of Lisbon well.