Palácio Fronteira
Palace-museum and gardens of the 17th century, with the largest collection of azulejos from the period kept in the place for which they were designed; still inhabited by descendants of the marquesses.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Palácio Fronteira was a country estate and remains very close to its original design. Around 1670, D. João de Mascarenhas, 2nd Count of Torre and 1st Marquess of Fronteira, and his wife, D. Madalena de Castro, had the central core of the palace and the Terraço das Artes Liberais built, leading to the chapel. They commissioned the azulejos on the exterior and created the architectural features of the gardens, such as the Tanque dos Cavaleiros and the Galeria dos Reis, with its staircases and turrets.
The complex is one of the most beautiful 17th-century monuments in Lisbon and holds the largest collection of azulejos from that period still kept in the place for which they were designed. Although it is a National Monument and operates as a museum, the palace continues to be inhabited by descendants of the 1st Marquess, which gives it a special atmosphere.
In the gardens, the Jardim Formal, the Jardim de Vénus or Jardim de Cima, with exotic trees and box parterres, and the Ninfeu or Tanque dos Pretos stand out. The interior is visited on guided tours through the state rooms, among them the Sala das Batalhas, the Sala dos Painéis, the Sala das Quatro Estações and the Sala de Juno, as well as the library, the Terraço das Artes and the chapel. The palace belongs to the Fundação das Casas de Fronteira e Alorna.
Highlights
- Largest collection of 17th-century azulejos kept in its original location
- State rooms: Batalhas, Painéis, Quatro Estações and Juno
- Formal garden with Tanque dos Cavaleiros and Galeria dos Reis
- Library, Terraço das Artes and chapel
- Palace still inhabited by descendants of the marquesses
- Operated by
- Fundação das Casas de Fronteira e Alorna
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €17 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €8.50Young people aged 7 to 25 (50% discount); students (20% discount). |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 5 · Children under 6 do not pay. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –Visitors with a proven disability of 60% or more and one companion receive 20% off. |
| Students & apprentices | –20% discount for students. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €25 per personPrivate groups (10 to 20 people), by prior booking: €25 per person at normal times and €35 at special times. |
| Gardens with audio guide (self-guided visit) | €10 |
| Gardens (self-guided visit) | €8 |
The “Palácio + Jardins” ticket costs €17. Free admission, on proof, for children under 6, researchers, heritage and museum professionals, members of the Amigos da Fundação das Casas de Fronteira e Alorna, members of ICOM, ICOMOS and APOM, veterans and accredited tourism professionals. Discounts cannot be combined.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Palácio Fronteira (autocarro 60B)
Metro: Jardim Zoológico station (Blue Line), about 15 minutes' walk along the route marked on the ground. Carris bus 60B (Palácio Fronteira stop), every 30 minutes (30-minute frequency). Sete Rios station is about 20 minutes' walk away.
By car
Free parking
Small free car park in front of the palace, with 30 spaces.
The main entrance is at Largo São Domingos de Benfica, 1, near the Parque Florestal de Monsanto.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
The foundation has a dedicated page on venue hire.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Two routes: a free stroll through the gardens, with audio and video guides, or a guided tour of the interior. Twice a month there are themed walks devoted to the azulejos and to the literary figures who lived in the palace. Private groups (10 to 20 people) book by email at visitas@fronteira-alorna.pt or by telephone. |
