Palácio do Correio-Mor, Baroque castle in Loures, Portugal.
Palácio do Correio-Mor is a Baroque castle in Loures featuring a U-shaped floor plan centered around an inner courtyard. Two stories rise with decoration throughout, including tile work, plasterwork, and painted details that cover the walls and ceilings.
The castle originated in the early 1600s when a Spanish king granted a noble the title of High-Courier and the estate became connected to postal operations. This official function shaped the building's importance for centuries to follow.
The interior walls display intricate tile panels depicting scenes from noble life, showcasing the craftsmanship traditions valued by wealthy Portuguese households of that era. These decorated rooms reveal how the ruling families of the time surrounded themselves with art and refined taste.
The building currently requires significant repairs and many interior spaces serve storage purposes under government care. Visitors should check in advance whether access for viewing is possible, since restoration work may limit what can be seen.
During the civil conflict of 1833, the palace temporarily became a medical shelter for wounded soldiers rather than a noble residence. This wartime transformation reveals how even grand houses contributed to the needs of their nation during crisis.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
