The Moorish-style courtyard of Casa do Alentejo is one of Lisbon's surprises.
Originally built in the 1600s, Alverca Palace (now known as Casa do Alentejo) was the residence of the Paes de Amaral family, or the viscounts of Alverca. The family coat of arms can still be seen on the façade, but the family abandoned it in the early 1900s, when the building became Lisbon’s first casino. Later, in 1932, it was turned into a social club for the people of the Alentejo region, and became the “Casa do Alentejo” of today.
The plain exterior of Casa do Alentejo
What hasn’t changed is the interior, with its Moorish-style courtyard and two rooms in the rococo style of Louis XVI. One of them is the former ballroom, decorated with mirrors, sculptures of allegorical figures, and a large ceiling fresco, and which can now be rented for private events. Large tile panels, added in the 19th and early-20th centuries, can be seen in what is now a restaurant.
The former ballroom is now used for special events.
You’re free to enter and admire the interior (and lunch or dine at the restaurant serving Portuguese cuisine and specialties of the Alentejo), but you may be interested in joining the guided tours in the afternoon.
One of the two tiled rooms of the restaurant
Note that only the courtyard is open throughout the day. The upper floor, with the former ballroom and the restaurant is only accessible from noon to 3pm, and then from 7pm to 10:30pm.
Guided tours explain the architecture and the history of the building.
How to Get to Casa do Alentejo
Casa do Alentejo is just a few feet from the Restauradores metro station (blue line). It’s also within walking distance of Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square.
You may ride the metro (and the city’s trams, buses, funiculars and trains) for free with the Lisboa Card.
Rua Portas de Santo Antão, 58 - Avenida da Liberdade
casadoalentejo.pt
Admission and Tickets to Casa do Alentejo
Admission is free. However, for the guided tour, adults pay €6.00 and children between the ages of 5 and 12 pay €3.00 (those under 5 are free).
It opens every day
Attractions Nearby
A similar Moorish-style interior (an atrium) can be admired in Cinemateca, Lisbon’s film museum, which is just over 10 minutes away (walk up Avenida da Liberdade, and turn to Rua Barata Salgueiro).
