Verride Palace

Verride Palace, also called the Palace of Santa Catarina (Palácio de Santa Catarina), is an 18th-century palace in Lisbon that now works as a boutique hotel with a restaurant and a rooftop bar. It stands in the Santa Catarina parish, close to the Tagus, in an area known for its viewpoints.

What is Verride Palace?

The building dates to around 1750 and belongs to the group of Lisbon palaces from the period when the city was rebuilding and growing in the 1700s. It is named after its neighbourhood. Wikidata lists it simply as a building in Lisbon, and its coordinates, 38.70964 N, 9.14703 W, place it in the central part of the city.

What is the history of the palace?

In 2003 the property was bought for its architecture. In 2010 it became the seat of POP UP LISBOA 2010, an urban artistic movement, which for a time turned the historic rooms into a space for contemporary art. The turning point came in December 2017, when the restored palace opened as the hotel Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina.

What can you see inside?

Architect Teresa Nunes da Ponte led the restoration. Her idea was to set a contrasting line of modern design against the opulence of the old palace. Original features were kept, including wooden ceilings, ornate stucco and historic azulejo tiles, while noble materials and details inspired by Portuguese tradition were added. The result is a heritage building where the modern touches do not drown out the original character.

Where can you eat and drink?

On site are the restaurant Criatura and a gastropub with a rooftop bar overlooking the Tagus. The OpenStreetMap description praises the cinema-inspired decor and calls it one of the better places for late-evening toasted sandwiches. Guests also have a swimming pool.

Is it worth a visit?

If you are interested in Lisbon architecture, the palace shows how a historic building can be given a new purpose without erasing its past. Even without a room booking, it is worth checking whether the restaurant or bar is open, as that is the simplest way to see the interiors and the river view. An evening visit works best, for a relaxed dinner or a drink after walking the surrounding streets and viewpoints.

Frequently asked questions

When was Verride Palace built? The palace dates to around 1750, in the 18th century.

Is it still a private residence? No. Since December 2017 it has operated as the boutique hotel Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina.

Who designed the new interiors? Architect Teresa Nunes da Ponte handled the restoration and the contemporary touches.

Is there a restaurant? Yes, the restaurant Criatura and a gastropub with a rooftop bar.

Is there a swimming pool? Yes, the property offers a pool for guests.

Where exactly is it? In Lisbon, in the Santa Catarina parish, a little above the Tagus.