Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira

The Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira, located in the Benfica district of Lisbon, is one of the architectural jewels of the 17th century, built as a hunting lodge for João de Mascarenhas, the first Marquis of Fronteira. This palace was built in 1671, and has since remained a private residence of the Mascarenhas family, who still occupy it. Its original location, outside the city limits, made it a countryside retreat, but today it is integrated into the lively urban area of Lisbon. The architecture of the palace reflects a fusion of Italian Renaissance influences and Portuguese traditions, highlighted by the rich decoration of azulejos (painted ceramic tiles) that adorn both the interiors and exteriors. These azulejos tell stories of battles and mythological scenes, with the Sala das Batalhas (Hall of Battles) featuring panels depicting the War of Restoration, including a mosaic showing D. João de Mascarenhas in combat with a Spanish general. One of the most fascinating elements of the palace is the garden, a perfect example of Portuguese Baroque garden. The formal garden, known as the Garden of Venus, is enriched with statues, fountains, and intricate hedge pathways. Among the highlights are the Knights’ Lake and the Gallery of Kings, the latter adorned with busts of Portuguese monarchs. The Casa do Fresco, a cave decorated with rocaille, offers a cool and shaded retreat during the hot summer months. The chapel of the palace, the oldest part, dates back to the late 16th century and was renovated during the construction of the palace. The chapel is adorned with stones, shells, broken glass, and pieces of porcelain, some of which come from sets used to serve the king during the palace’s inauguration and later reused according to a tradition that prohibited their further use. This mixture of materials gives the chapel a unique and fascinating appearance. The palace has a library that contains over 3,000 volumes collected by the noble families of Mascarenhas, Almeida, and Távora. This collection is a treasure trove of knowledge and history, reflecting the importance of culture and education for its inhabitants. Despite the devastating Lisbon earthquake of 1755, the Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira remained intact and became the main residence of the Mascarenhas family after the destruction of their main residence in central Lisbon. This event marked an important transition in the history of the palace, consolidating its position as one of Lisbon’s main historical monuments. The Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira is now classified as a National Monument and offers guided tours that allow visitors to explore both the interior and the magnificent gardens. Visitors can admire the Sala das Batalhas, the Room of Panels, the Intimate Room (or the Four Seasons), and the Room of Juno, as well as the library and the Liberal Arts terrace. Thematic visits, available twice a month, focus on specific collections of azulejos or on the literary figures who lived in the palace. The palace gardens are a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering a combination of natural beauty and historical art. Here, history and modernity meet, creating a unique environment that attracts visitors interested in culture, history, and architectural beauty.