The grand Palácio das Águias sits quietly on Rua da Junqueira. This palace, once a vibrant hub of Lisbon’s high society, now stands abandoned, a silent sentinel to a bygone era. The Palácio das Águias traces its roots back to 1713. It was a time when Lisbon was still rebuilding from the devastating earthquake of 1755. Manuel Lopes Bicudo, a prominent lawyer, initiated the construction. However, the palace’s story truly began in 1731 when Diogo de Mendonça Corte-Real, a respected statesman and diplomat, acquired the property. He envisioned a grand estate, a testament to his family’s legacy. Corte-Real expanded the property, transforming it into the Quinta das Águias, or “Eagles’ Farm”. He adorned it with beautiful gardens, a reflection of his refined taste. In 1748, a beautiful chapel graced the estate. It featured a mesmerizing painting of the Annunciation by the renowned French artist Pierre-Antoine Quillard. Sadly, the earthquake of 1755 likely claimed this artwork, leaving behind only whispers of its beauty. The palace witnessed both joyous celebrations and bitter family feuds. Diogo Junior, Corte-Real’s son, inherited the estate. His tenure was marked by political intrigue and exile, leading to the property’s gradual decline. It became entangled in legal battles, a testament to the complexities of family inheritance. Finally, in 1841, after decades of dispute, the Palácio das Águias found a new owner, Baron José Dias Leite Sampaio, who initiated some renovations. He added a personal touch – the majestic stone eagles emblazoned with the letter “S” that still guard the inner gates, a tribute to his family name. Today, the Palácio das Águias stands as a captivating enigma, shrouded in overgrown vines and an air of forgotten grandeur. It whispers tales of grand balls, political intrigue, and the ebb and flow of fortune. Though time and neglect have taken their toll, the palace’s beauty remains, a poignant reminder of Lisbon’s rich and storied past. It awaits a new chapter, a chance to reclaim its former glory.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to