Marvelous isn’t it? This is the Palácio Ceia. Right before you stands a piece of Lisbon’s rich history.
The Palácio Ceia a building with a fascinating past. It’s more than just pretty stones and elegant lines. It whispers tales of noble families and significant historical events. This palace wasn’t always known as the Palácio Ceia. It has also been called the Palácio Bramão. That’s because it was once owned by the Bramão family. Before that it belonged to the Counts of Seia.
Originally built in the second half of the 18th century by the wealthy merchant Antonio Rebelo de Andrade the Palácio Ceia boasts a U-shaped plan. This results in a striking silhouette. It features three floors on the main north wing and four on the lateral and rear wings. Notice the main facade. It’s framed by pilasters and quoins of stone. On the ground floor you see ten rectangular windows flanking the doorway. The noble floor above has ten more windows. Each is topped with a balcony featuring beautiful wrought iron railings. A central window has an elegant stone frame. The top floor has eleven windows. The building concludes with a decorative cornice. The east wing echoes the north facade’s design but includes a new ground floor and an intermediate floor above the noble floor. This floor is illuminated by windows capped by false pediments.
Step inside. There is a magnificent central staircase. The interior of the Palácio Ceia is truly breathtaking. Five rooms on the noble floor are decorated with tiles from the Rato Factory. The ceilings are stunning. They feature stucco work that’s lightly embossed and painted in a Rococo style. These details are testament to the building’s luxurious past.
The Palácio Ceia has played many roles over the centuries. It served as a private residence for centuries. It eventually became home to the Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda (National Press-Mint). Today it is the headquarters of the Universidade Aberta (Open University). This shows the remarkable adaptability of this building. It has withstood the test of time. The building is classified as a Property of Public Interest. This shows how important it is for the city of Lisbon. It’s a living testament to Lisbon’s enduring charm and enduring architectural legacy. It’s a privilege to stand here before the Palácio Ceia. It is a building filled with history stories and a sense of wonder. Let’s move on now to our next exciting destination.