By Alaric 
If you’re looking for some Lisbon hidden gems then I would head to Casa do Alentejo.
This Moorish residence used to be a palace of the bourgeoise and later Lisbon’s first casino.
It’s now a stunning social centre and free attraction you can visit which makes an incredible photo opportunity.
The best part is the opportunity to dine in a luxurious Portuguese restaurant which is decorated with azulejo tiles.
I loved my time spent here as it was a peaceful oasis compared to the busy streets outside.
Here is how to visit Casa do Alentejo, a secret Moroccan Palace in Lisbon!
What is the history of Casa do Alentejo?
This incredible residence was originally constructed in the 17th century as Palacio Alverca.
It was a sumptuous palace of the Paes de Amaral family who were the viscounts of Alverca.
The family eventually abandoned the property and in 1917 it became the Magestic Club, Lisbon’s first casino.
In 1932, it was transformed into a social club for Alentejo residents. In Portuguese, Alentejo loosely translates to “Beyond the Tagus River”.
It was renamed the House of Alentejo as it remains to this day.
It has a public courtyard, a popular restaurant, a social library and taberna inside.
A hidden Moroccan palace in Lisbon
Today, Casa de Alentejo is still a cultural centre for Alentejo residents in the heart of Lisbon.
It’s a community space and there are lots of events and festivals that take place throughout the year.
But, anyone is welcome to visit and admire this incredible Moorish palace with its ceramic tiles, lanterns, and opulence.
As soon as I walked inside the courtyard, I gasped at the gorgeous interiors.
It was filled with decorated archways, emerald foliage, stained glass lanterns, a central fountain and a skylight that beautifully lit the room.
Around the courtyard, they had several display cases with information about the history of the building as well as benches and tables to relax.
You’re free to head to the upper floor and the staircase is mesmerising. It’s decorated with a rainbow of colourful ceramic tiles!
I couldn’t stop taking photos as every corner of this palace was majestic.
Casa do Alentejo Restaurant & Ballroom
The top floor is where you’ll find two rococo rooms which are also breathtaking.
The first is an elaborate ballroom fit for royalty which is filled with mirrors, frescoes and sculptures.
The second is a restaurant which is a remarkable space to have lunch or dinner. Every room is decorated with blue and white azulejo tiles!
They serve up traditional Portuguese dishes including specialities from the Antelejo region. It looked divine.
Unfortunately, on this occasion, I was a little too late for the last sitting in the afternoon. If I ever go back, I’ll make sure to book a table!
Taberna
If the restaurant is not open during your visit or you didn’t manage to make a booking you can visit their taberna or tavern.
This is more of an informal setting in an outdoor courtyard where they serve up light lunches, beers, coffees and cold drinks.
It’s not as ornate as the tiled restaurant but it did look very popular with locals.
As it was chilly and raining on my visit, I decided to give this one a miss!
Social Library
Palacio Alverca also has a social library for residents inside the complex.
It was founded in 1928 to support local education and provide a means for locals to read books and newspapers who couldn’t afford them.
It now has over 10,000 items in its collection and most have been digitalised.
If you are a resident of Alentejo or are related to one, they encourage you to register with them at the library as they compile a regular census.
How to visit Casa do Alentejo in Lisbon
Palacio Alverca is located close to Praça de Rossio on the busy shopping street of Rue das Portas de Santo Antão.
Lisbon is a very easy city to explore on foot but you can also use the tram and metro network to get around.
The nearest underground metro station and bus stop is Restauradores (Blue Line).
I recommend purchasing a Lisboa Card to travel around the city.
It includes unlimited use of public transport including trains to Sintra and free entry to many of the popular attractions
Compared to the elaborate interiors, the exterior facade is quite plain so it can be easy to miss despite there being a sign.
You’ll then need to climb a steep staircase from the street level to reach the palace courtyard.
Opening hours & ticket prices
It’s completely free to enter the stunning Casa do Alentejo courtyard and to have a look around the elaborate tiled rooms.
The courtyard is open throughout the day (9.30 am – 11 pm) but the ballroom and restaurant are only open at the following times;
- Lunch: 12 pm – 4 pm (last seating is at 3 pm)
- Dinner: 7 pm – 11 pm (last seating is at 10 pm)
They do offer guided tours that you can book for a small fee in the afternoons. I would call ahead for more information.
My top tips for visiting
- Make sure to visit when the restaurant is open in the afternoon and evening to visit all the rooms
- You should pre-book a table at Casa do Alentejo restaurant to guarantee your place.
- It’s a small building and your visit will take around 30 – 45 minutes
- Although a ‘hidden gem’ in Lisbon, the courtyard does get quite busy throughout the day. So, be patient for photos.
- Most of the information boards on the history of the building are in Portuguese with no English translation. A translation app will be a good friend!
Are you looking for more things to do in Lisbon?
Lisbon is a beautiful city in Portugal. As it’s the capital, you can expect it to be busy throughout the year.
Nearby you can head to Praça de Rossio to visit the Carmo Covent, a gothic ruin which gives you a look into the great earthquake of 1755. Don’t forget to try the cherry liquor, Ginjinha.
If you head to the centre, you can find the historic Santa Justa Lift. You must take it to see beautiful views over the city skyline.
Praça do Comércio is the heart of the city by the river with its Arco da Rua Augusta and from here you can visit the famous Pink Street and Time Out Market.
I would then recommend visiting the Castello de Sao Jorge, Lisbon Cathedral and the Miradouro de Santa Luzia viewpoint.
Away from the historic centre, you can visit the incredible bohemian LX Factory art village with the famous Livraria Ler Devagar.
Then, move on to Belem where there are plenty of incredible things to do along the mighty River Tagus.
I would recommend heading to the Belem Tower, Belem Lighthouse and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos.
You can also visit the MAAT museum and get a picture-perfect view over the 25 de Abril Bridge.
Further inland, you can visit the magical Jeronimos Monastery with its stunning cloister courtyard.
These cloisters had some of the most beautiful carving work I had ever seen.
Just nearby, you must visit Pasteis de Belém which is the birthplace of the famous custard egg tarts.
And no visit to Lisbon would be complete without a ride on a historic tram. You can catch the famous Tram 28 or take the Elevador de Bica.
Where to stay in Lisbon
During my visit to Lisbon, I stayed in the fabulous Pousada de Lisboa which is part of the Small Luxury Hotels Of The World.
It’s based in Praça de Commercio and used to be part of the Royal Ribeira Palace before the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake.
The entire square was rebuilt by Marquês de Pombal and this hotel was built on the previous Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Today, it has many luxurious rooms and suites to stay in the heart of Lisbon. Their breakfast buffet is exquisite in the mornings.
Also, whilst you’re here you must visit their RIB Beef & Wine restaurant which is a fine dining experience and top-rated in the city.
Read more of my Portugal guides
Palacio da Bolsa – How to visit Bolsa Palace in Porto
Livraria Lello – magical bookshop in Porto
Was Harry Potter written in Porto’s Café Majestic?
The very best things to do in Sintra
Why you shouldn’t skip Monserrate Palace in Sintra
The mysterious Initiation Well in Quinta de Regaleira
Save Casa de Alentejo for later!
