Palácio Sinel de Cordes

Palácio Sinel de Cordes is an eighteenth-century palace in Lisbon, on Campo de Santa Clara, with a spacious courtyard and views over the Tagus and the National Pantheon. It has served as a noble family home, a diplomatic legation and a primary school, and today it hosts architecture and culture.

Who built the Sinel de Cordes palace?

The palace was built for the Sinel de Cordes family, who came from Flemish nobility. Members of the family included Knights of the Order of Christ and officials of the Holy Office. After the 1755 earthquake the family settled permanently around Campo de Santa Clara, and the palace became their residence. It is a typical example of Lisbon's eighteenth-century palace architecture, from the years when the city was being rebuilt after the disaster.

How did the building change in the 19th and 20th centuries?

In the nineteenth century the palace was bought by Viscount José Correia Godinho da Costa, a judge of the Supreme Military Court. Under him a balustrade topped with neoclassical statues was added, and the staircase leading to the main floor received neo-Gothic decoration. As a result the building blends several stylistic periods.

In the early twentieth century it housed the Italian Legation. During that time a violent fire destroyed much of the interior, which was later rebuilt. The Portuguese State then acquired the building and installed a primary school, which operated until 2007. For decades, local children studied in the former reception rooms.

What can you see inside?

The noble floor (piano nobile) has several spacious rooms with large windows looking out to the dome of the National Pantheon and, in the distance, the Tagus. The lower floor holds a kitchen and a refectory, with doors opening onto an outdoor courtyard. The neo-Gothic staircase decoration and the neoclassical statues above the roofline are worth looking for.

What is the palace used for today?

Since March 2012 the palace has been the headquarters of the Lisbon Architecture Triennale (Trienal de Arquitectura de Lisboa). The building was rehabilitated for this purpose, and its rooms host exhibitions, educational programmes and events about architecture and the city. It is also used as a venue for cultural gatherings.

How to plan a visit

The palace stands in a historic part of Lisbon, next to Campo de Santa Clara, known for the Feira da Ladra flea market and the National Pantheon. It fits neatly into a walk linking several sights of the neighbourhood. Opening hours depend on the current Triennale programme, so check the organiser's website before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the interior of Palácio Sinel de Cordes? Access depends on current Triennale events; check the programme before arriving.

What century is the palace from? The eighteenth. The Sinel de Cordes family settled in it permanently after the 1755 earthquake.

What was the building used for before? The Italian Legation, and later a primary school that ran until 2007.

What is nearby? The National Pantheon and Campo de Santa Clara with its Feira da Ladra market.