Casa do Alentejo in Lisbon

I am walking along one of the main streets of Lisbon. The sun is shining, there are lots of tourists around. I’m looking for something unique, hidden places that I could tell you about. That’s when I’m reminded of my trip with Ewelina, a Polish guide in Lisbon, who once took me to Casa do Alentejo. It’s been a long time since I’ve been there, and I find that it would be worth a second look. I wonder if it is still a place where few people go. I am not disappointed. Casa do Alentejo in Lisbon looks exactly as it did 6 years ago and there are not many people here. I sit down and marvel at the architecture. Come, I will take you to this special place in the Portuguese capital today.

I don’t think I’m exaggerating too much if I say that in the very center of Lisbon it’s hard to find something that a lot of people don’t already know, where crowds of tourists don’t go and where it’s relatively quiet. And already to find such a place in high season borders on a miracle! Lisbon is a small city and there are fewer and fewer hidden gems. Fortunately, Casa do Alentejo, for the time being, is a lesser-known attraction and is less frequently visited.

Of course, I had some objections before I started writing about this place. It’s well known how things work. One blogger will write something, then another, then someone from a newspaper will come and so it goes in an avalanche. After a while the place can get pretty crowded. I was persuaded to write about Casa do Alentejo by the fact that Instagram is already full of photos from there, and I don’t think I could do more harm to the place. I’ve waited 6 years, so maybe it’s high time to share information about it with you as well.

I hope you enjoy Casa do Alentejo and you too will be delighted by the architecture and very unique atmosphere of the place.

What is Casa do Alentejo and why it’s worth visiting?

Casa do Alentejo is an association base for people coming from the Alentejo region, which is very close to Lisbon (I recommend for a weekend or day trip. It is my favorite region in Portugal).

Inside, there is a small tavern downstairs, and upstairs there is a beautiful restaurant, a room for events and conferences, and a small library with beautiful azulejos.

This building is worth entering because of its beautiful interiors and atmosphere. It is a one-of-a-kind place with stunning architecture. It will be a treat for those who are looking for something unique in Lisbon, places that stand out from the rest of the attractions.

Sightseeing and visiting

As of today, entry to the Casa do Alentejo is free. Anyone who wants to take pictures can enter and stay as long as they like. Order is guarded downstairs by a gentleman checkroom attendant, and upstairs in the corridor there is a staff from the restaurant that also keeps an eye on everything, and will help and advise where to enter and where not to.

A concrete staircase, topped by a small stained glass window, leads from the street up to the second floor.

From the staircase you enter directly into the first room, a sort of square, which looks like an example of a riad in Morocco. Note the tiles on the floor, as well as the beautiful triangular-shaped glass ceiling. The whole place is surrounded by carved arches, and benches where you can sit and, of course, take photos for Instagram.

On this floor there is also a small restuarant – a tavern, serving snacks and drinks at a good price. It also has a patio with a few tables. It’s always possible to go in there, without having to make a reservation.

On the right, you’ll take the stairs to the next floor. This staircase has a stained glass window, taking up one entire wall, and colorful tiles filling the walls on either side.

On the next floor, the old wooden floor will squeak as you approach one of the balcony windows. From here you can watch everyone who enters the building.

The right wing houses a restaurant. You can take a look here, but the waiters will remind you that no photos can be taken and you’d rather not look in, as guests must not be disturbed. For those who are willing, a table reservation is available. Check here for more information.

In the left wing, on the other hand, there is a conference room. I was lucky enough to enter there once. However, on most of my recent visits, the place was closed to the public. This room hosts concerts and performances, check the website for more information.

Right next to the restrooms you will find one open room. This is the library. Azulejo on the wall depict hunting scenes. The tables probably come from the casino that used to be located here.

If you don’t take too many pictures, the tour will take maybe 30 minutes.

The history of Casa do Alentejo

The building was built in the 17th century and was owned by a noble family. To this day you can still see their emblem above the front door.

In the 20th century, after the owners moved out, Casa do Alentejo became a casino and remained so for 30 years, until 1932. It was then that the association that now owns the building was founded.

Casa do Alentejo’s goal is to bring together people, from the Alentejo region, who live in and around Lisbon. It is a place where they can cultivate their culture and meet on various occasions.

Casa do Alentejo is a unique, little-known place in Lisbon that is really worth a visit, when vacationing in the city. I’m sure you will be impressed and that it will be a nice visit.