Palácio Ribamar

Palácio Ribamar is an 18th-century palace in Algés, in the municipality of Oeiras on the Tagus, a few kilometres from central Lisbon. Today it houses a library, an art gallery, a tourist information point and a dance centre, so you can visit it as a working cultural venue rather than a closed monument.

Who built Palácio Ribamar?

The palace was built in 1727 for Francisco de Paula de Portugal e Castro, 8th Count of Vimioso and 2nd Marquis of Valença. It was meant as the family residence of a nobleman. Local institutions describe it as a small court where art and culture mattered, and guests included prominent figures and even members of the government.

How did ownership change?

The estate reflects the shifting fortunes of Portugal's elite. After the Vimioso line, the palace belonged to, among others, the Marquises of Valença and the Counts of Lumiar. In 1870 it was bought by the 2nd Count of Cabral and later passed by inheritance to the Counts of Foz. The place is also linked with Ernesto Hintze Ribeiro, a well-known Portuguese politician of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

From casino to school

The building changed function several times in the 20th century. Between 1920 and 1928 it operated as a casino. Later it served as a secondary school. In 1962 the municipality of Oeiras bought it, and it has been public property ever since, which secured its future and gave it new roles.

What is inside today?

Palácio Ribamar works as a cultural centre. Inside you will find:

• the Algés Municipal Library (Biblioteca Municipal de Algés),
• the headquarters of the Centro de Dança de Oeiras, the local dance centre,
• a tourist information point,
• the Palácio Ribamar Municipal Gallery, which hosts exhibitions.

Exhibition programmes and opening hours change, so check current details on the Oeiras municipality website before you go.

How to get there

Algés lies on the railway line from Cais do Sodré in Lisbon to Cascais, so the trip by train is short. From the station the palace is within walking distance. It pairs well with a stroll along the Algés waterfront and nearby parks.

Is it worth a visit?

If you enjoy the architecture of old noble residences and want a place quieter than the big Lisbon palaces, Palácio Ribamar makes a good stop. The public areas, such as the library and gallery, usually need little planning, and the tourist point can help you shape the rest of your day in Oeiras.

Frequently asked questions

When was Palácio Ribamar built? In 1727, as the residence of the Count of Vimioso.

Where is it? In Algés, municipality of Oeiras, in the Lisbon metropolitan area.

Can you see exhibitions there? Yes, the Palácio Ribamar Municipal Gallery is located inside.

Is there tourist information? Yes, a tourist information point operates in the building.

Is the palace publicly owned? Yes, the municipality of Oeiras bought it in 1962.

Is it good for a short visit? Yes. The public areas usually take little time, so it is easy to combine with a walk around Algés or other sights in Oeiras.