Palácio José Maria Eugénio, 19th century castle in Avenidas Novas, Portugal

Palácio Vilalva is a 19th-century palace in São Sebastião da Pedreira, Lisbon, built by José Maria Eugénio de Almeida. It stands near the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and is known for its parquet floors, supplied by the Belgian Pierre-Joseph Godefroy. Since November 2023 it has housed the Portuguese Ombudsman (Provedor de Justiça).

Palácio de Vilalva was built in the 19th century by José Maria Eugénio de Almeida. From 1946 until its extinction in 2006, the Governo Militar de Lisboa (Lisbon Military Government) was headquartered here, and for a long period it housed the staff of the Portuguese land forces. Since November 2023 it has been the seat of the Provedor de Justiça, the Portuguese Ombudsman.

The palace is named after the Vilalva family title, and its alternative name honours its builder, José Maria Eugénio de Almeida. Since November 2023 it has housed the Portuguese Ombudsman (Provedor de Justiça), whose offices occupy the 19th-century rooms.

The building is difficult to access today since it functions as an administrative center and is not open for regular visits. Your best option is to photograph the exterior from the street to see the architectural details.

The palace floors contain Belgian parquet supplied by Pierre-Joseph Godefroy, which preserves 19th-century European craftsmanship. This detail reflects how much care wealthy merchants put into furnishing their homes.