“Anadia House still stands tall. That is the Palácio Anadia.” These words by Araújo in 1939 capture its enduring presence. We stand before a palace with a rich history. It sits at the corner of Rua das Amoreiras and Rua de Silva Carvalho. Once called Rua de São João dos Bem-Casados it boasts a large coat of arms of the Sás family on its facade. This is the Palácio Anadia.
Its origins trace back to the 17th century. It began as the Quinta de Recreio de São João dos Bem-Casados estate. Over time it underwent expansions demolitions and renovations. These occurred in the late 17th 19th and 20th centuries. In the first quarter of the 18th century the Lords of Anadia acquired the property. Hence the name Palácio Anadia.
Norberto de Araújo noted the estate’s past. He recalled that the estate and two others once belonged to Palhares. Francisco Duarte de Almeida e Sousa acquired them in 1700 due to debts. He formally took possession in 1706. Soon after he donated the houses and estate of São João to his brother Aires de Almeida e Sousa. Manuel de Sousa e Almeida a descendant married D. Violante Engrácia de Sá. She was the daughter of Aires de Sá e Melo and D. Isabel de Melo Lords of Anadia. This marriage connected the suburban estate of São João dos Bencasados to the Anadia family.
The Palácio Anadia is now a classified Municipal Property of Interest. It exemplifies palatial Baroque residential architecture. Its longitudinal layout includes three rectangular sections. Pilasters separate these sections. The central section is narrower and more prominent. The main entrance features a wide curved arch with stonework and wrought iron railings. It dates back to the late 18th century. A triangular pediment crowns this central axis. Pinnacles adorn the acroterions. The stone coat of arms of the Sás-Anadias sits at the center of the tympanum.
Inside the Palácio Anadia several features stand out. The 17th-century tile panels and mural paintings are remarkable. In the Billiard Room and first-floor gallery 20th-century polychrome stucco decorations are visible. The current chapel built in 1884 incorporates elements from the former chapel of São João dos Bemcasados. This chapel was demolished to align the street. The exterior access door dated 1689 the carved altar and the carved and polychrome wood railings protecting the choir and altar all stand out. The main altarpiece dates to the late 18th century.
Today the Palácio Anadia stands as a testament to Lisbon’s layered history. It is a blend of architectural styles and family legacies. It invites us to imagine the lives that unfolded within its walls. From its humble beginnings as an estate to its status as a recognized landmark the Palácio Anadia embodies the spirit of Lisbon. Its story is etched in stone tile and the memories of generations. It is a place where the past and present intertwine.