The Senhora do Monte Belvedere is one of the most important historical sites in Lisbon. Although it is not one of the most visited tourist attractions, this is one of the privileged points for panoramic observation of the city. It was the site where in 1147 King Alfonso I, known as "the Conqueror", decided to set up a camp to conquer the city and where stands a chapel built by the Augustinian Order, overlooking the whole city.
The popular neighborhood growing around the Belvedere is one of the oldest in the city. Built on a very steep hilly area, it is made up of narrow, winding streets that limit its accessibility. For this reason many houses have been abandoned, but the recent increase in tourism in the Portuguese capital is helping the neighborhood to repopulate.
The project by Leopold Banchini Architects has renovated the interiors of a residence on three levels without modifying its external shell, which is characterised by the regular arrangement of the rectangular windows. Casa do Monte's interiors, on the other hand, have been disrupted, with the opening of double spaces connecting different levels.
The main materials used are in sharp contrast with each other: the reinforced concrete structure left in its raw state is combined with pink and white marble extracted from the nearby quarry of Estramoz, used for central cores that are the only elements distributing the spaces. The interiors are bare and fluid, but if necessary they can be divided by retractable sliding walls. The large terrace features a long swimming pool on two sides, from which you can admire the breathtaking landscape of the city.
- Project:
- Casa do Monte
- Location:
- Lisbon
- Program:
- family house
- Architect:
- Leopold Banchini Architects with Daniel Zamarbide
- Completion:
- 2019