B E L M O N T E
P A L Á C I O
B E L M O N T E P A L Á C I O |
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History |
The first section of the Palácio was built in 1449, on the top of the ancient fortified Roman and Moorish walls, called "Cerca do Alcáçova" and "Cerca Moura", consisting of three towers: a rectangular keep at the western extremity, a corner tower to the north built upon Roman foundations, and a pentagonal tower to the west, which, constructed upon a forty meter rock, makes up an integral part of the "Cerca Moura". In 1640, the family enlarged the building, adding the majestic East terrace and five façades in a classical style, giving the Palácio its present look. The consequences of the Lisbon earthquake of 1755, led to the commissioning of the two principal Portuguese master tile-makers, Manuel Santos and Valentim de Almeida, of a unique collection of traditional Portuguese tiles. The 59 panels of more than 30,000 tiles are to be found throughout the building and are one of the Palácio's distinguishing features. |
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Further to purchasing the Palácio in the 1995 from the Count of Belmonte's family who had owned the property for more than 500 years, the Owner with the guidance of one of Portugal's foremost architects and an expert in historical monuments, together with the support of the whole community, has now completely restored the building. The project to restore Palácio Belmonte has been implemented, based upon a philosophy of conserving and protecting the ambience created by the building, whilst safeguarding natural resources and the environment, all within the spirit of "sustainable development" and according to the Charter of Venice. The Owner has utilized leading-edge research by some of the world's foremost ecological specialists. Fifteenth and seventeenth century construction methodology was used in the restoration, which incorporated original building and finishing materials, including the finest Portuguese marble, the use of "lime mortar", wooden doors and metalwork. |
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In 1997, Palácio Belmonte was classified as a National Monument by the Portuguese government.In October 2000, international recognition of the restoration project was received when on behalf of Palácio Belmonte, Frederic Coustols received the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Award for Urban Regeneration from HRH the Prince of Wales. Other award winners were the Sidney Olympic Games site, the Royal Opera House and the Tate Modern gallery. Palácio Belmonte is considered to be the foremost example of ecological and environmental management of its type, in Portugal today. This philosophy will continue through into the envisaged operation of the building, where possible, only the finest recyclable, natural and locally produced products will be utilized. Palácio Belmonte will be a showcase and permanent exhibition of Portuguese craftsmanship and re-invented traditional, know-how. |
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History |
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| Portugal > Lodging > Lisbon > Palácio Belmonte |
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