The Palácio das Necessidades overlooks the Tagus

It is worth visiting the Palácio das Necessidades to enjoy the view from its terrace

The Palácio das Necessidades is an former palace and convent of the XVIII century, designed by an Italian architect and built by D. João V. This rose-colored palace is located in the parish of Estrela, in Lisbon, and currently surves the Headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was built five years before the earthquake of 1755 and was the only royal residence that remained unaffected.

Despite having escaped the earthquake of 1755, the Palácio das Necessidades was unable to escape unscathed by the bombardment from the Tagus, which occurred in October 1910, the date of the Establishment of the Republic. This bombardment caused him damage inside and outside. After the proclamation of the Republic, it was uninhabited until 1950, when it began to be occupied by the Ministry of Foreign Business to the present day.

This palace is part of a monumental complex, classified as a Property of Public Interest. It features the whole convent building of the Ordem de São Filipe Néri, the Tower, the Chapel, the monumental fountain in the wide garden in front of the chapel, the gardens and the park with sculptural and decorative elements.

Although the interior of the palace is not open to the public, it is worthwhile to go there to enjoy the view from its terrace. In the center of the viewpoint is a marble obelisk that dates back to 1747 in a fountain with four figures with streaming water. To the left of the palace is the Tapada das Necessidades, a hidden pearl of the city, which contains examples of rare trees, lakes and statues.