A regal air surrounds us. This is Casa do Regalo. King Charles I commissioned this neoclassical building in 1889. It was a gift to his wife Queen Amelia. She used it as her painting studio.
Casa do Regalo sits atop Necessidades Park. It’s near the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The building’s location is significant. It stands where an Oratorian astronomical observatory once stood. After the religious orders were dissolved in 1833-34 the building became a resting house. That’s how it got its name Casa do Regalo meaning Resting House.
Queen Amelia was more than just an artist. She dedicated her life to fighting tuberculosis a terrible disease of the time. In 1893 she established the first dispensary in Alcântara for poor children. She tirelessly promoted the Assistencia Nacional aos Tuberculosos a society dedicated to combating the illness. This was established in 1899. Her dedication also extended to the creation of the Instituto de Socorros a Náufragos in 1892 and the National Coach Museum in 1905.
After the 1910 Portuguese Republic the former convent was occupied by the army. The palace became home to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1916. Casa do Regalo was rented to artists as studios until 2002.
In 2005 the building was given to the Secretariat-General of the Presidency of the Republic. It became the office of former President Jorge Sampaio. Extensive renovations were needed. Architect Pedro Vaz oversaw the restoration from 2005 to 2006. The building was restored to its former glory.
Today Casa do Regalo stands as a testament to the artistic spirit of Queen Amelia. It also showcases the commitment of President Sampaio. The building’s history blends art philanthropy and political history. It’s a true reflection of Lisbon’s rich past. It continues to contribute to its vibrant present.