Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira: The Home of a 17th-Century Portuguese Aristocrat
This charming country manor house, the family home of the Marquês de Fronteira, is tucked away on the city's northwestern outskirts. Built-in 1640 as a hunting lodge for Joo de Mascarenhas, the first Marquês de Fronteira, it was later refurbished as a palace and remains one of Lisbon's most beautiful and serene private residences. Fortunately, some of the rooms in this noble retreat, as well as the beautifully landscaped grounds, are open to the public, and investing in a guided morning tour of the premises provides a rewarding glimpse into 17th-century Portugal.
This is the best place in town to see 17th-century azulejos outside of the Museu Nacional do Azulejo. The palace is adorned with exquisite tile work, most notably in the Sala das Batalhas (Battles Room). Wall panels depict scenes from the War of Restoration, a long and bloody campaign to oust Spanish rule from Portugal. The attention to detail is astounding, bringing to life the various battles that eventually restored the country's independence from its occupying neighbor.
This is not a museum, and the furniture and interior decoration are not labeled. Tours, on the other hand, are informative, educational, and discreet, and provide access to additional areas such as the lounge, library, and dining room, where unique Amsterdam tiles adorn the interior. Art historians will undoubtedly spot some noteworthy pieces, such as the Pellegrini portrait.
The formal gardens, a verdant oasis embroidered with subtropical flora, are included in the tour. The "King's Gallery" is a terrace with decorative niches containing busts of Portuguese kings. It's perched above a large pond teeming with carp. Similarly, the extraordinary chapel terrace is embellished with azulejo panels depicting Greek and Roman noble arts, as well as several 17th-century statues.
Address: Largo São Domingos de Benfica 01, 1500-554 Lisboa, Portugal
Timings: 10AM - 5PM (Closed Sunday)
Phone: +351 21 778 2023
Google rating: 4.5/5
Website: http://www.fronteira-alorna.pt/
