The building

The Palácio de São Roque/Portugal da Gama is a civil palace architecture building, originating from the 17th century. It is located at the junction of two important neighborhoods in Lisbon: Chiado and Bairro Alto, at the corner of Rua da Misericórdia and Largo Trindade Coelho with Travessa da Queimada, parallel to the Tejo River, benefiting from eastern and southern light, as well as views of the river.

Fachada do edifício

The spaces of the palace, including a stone staircase, are designed with ample dimensions, in line with the size of the numerous windows. These were built with solidity in the 18th century, surviving the 1755 earthquake, enduring not only years of prosperity but also years of abandonment, as well as the alteration of certain works by successive tenants.

It was in a state of decay that the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa acquired the Palácio de São Roque/Portugal da Gama, maintaining the historic fado house 'Café Luso' on Travessa da Queimada. The institution had a clear purpose to rehabilitate the palace and integrate it not only into the urban dynamic of Chiado and Bairro Alto, but also into the heritage ensemble of Largo Trindade Coelho.

Timeline

  • Acquisition of the Palácio de São Roque by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa.
  • Technical Report on the Diagnosis of the Construction and Submission of the Licensing Project for Commercial Spaces, SCML Services, and Seven Residences.
  • Approval of the Licensing Project by the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage.
  • Approval of the Licensing Project by the Municipality of Lisbon.
  • Approval of the Licensing Project by the National Civil Protection Authority.
  1. Development of the execution project.
  2. Start of construction and restoration works.
  • Request for a licensing amendment to install a museum program – Casa Ásia Museum – Francisco Capelo Collection.
  • Approval of the amendment to the licensing project by the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage.
  • Approval of the amendment to the licensing project by the Municipality of Lisbon.
  • Amendment to the execution project.
  • Approval of the specialty licensing projects.
  • Amendment to the Licensing Project to add a mezzanine in the restaurant.
  • Completion of the restoration of the Palácio de São Roque/ Casa Ásia Museum – Francisco Capelo Collection.
  • Completion of the restaurant works.
  • Assembly of the Francisco Capelo Collection.
  • Submission of the final paintings.
  • Opening to the public of the Casa Ásia – Francisco Capelo Collection.

Photographs