Chafariz D'el Rei Palatial Building

Original Authors:
João António dos Santos
(1909)

Interventions:
Emílio Montes ,
Rui Teixeira
(2000)

Expected occupation: MediumExpected occupation: Medium

About the Place

Unique, eclectic and romantic, this palatial building was built by the ‘Brazilians’ João António and Augusto Vítor dos Santos on the site of the former Marquis of Angeja palace, which was destroyed in 1755. The terraced exterior overlooking the surrounding landscape of the former bourgeois residence, now a five-star hotel, reflects its privileged location near Alfama and the views over the River Tagus. In the interior, the gallery with triple ceiling height and skylight in coloured glass are absolute standouts, as are the ornamental stucco work, figurative reliefs, stained glass window work, mural paintings and work in carved wood. The eclecticism comes through in the differing styles the palatial building coherently unites, allying neo-Arabian, neo-Baroque, neo-classical elements with elements that are more mediaeval inspired and contemporary, including geometric stained-glass windows and Art Nouveau motifs.