Palácio José Maria Eugénio, 19th century castle in Avenidas Novas, Portugal
Palácio Vilalva is a 19th-century castle in Avenidas Novas that blends neoclassical and baroque details with a prominent clock tower. The structure features stone walls topped with battlements and watchtowers that give it a fortified appearance.
A merchant named Jose Maria Eugenio de Almeida built this structure, which originally served as stables and carriage houses within Santa Gertrudes Park. Its use changed several times over the following century before becoming the headquarters of the Portuguese Ombudsman.
This palace once housed one of Lisbon's earliest collections of animals, where visitors came to see creatures from different parts of the world. That chapter left a lasting mark on how local people view the building.
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.
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