Palácio dos Estaus

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The Rossio on a map from the 16th century. The Palácio dos Estaus is the large building on the top left corner of the square.
The Palácio dos Estaus after the fire in 1836

The Palácio dos Estaus (also Paço dos Estaus or Palácio da Inquisição ) was an aristocratic palace in the center of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon .

history

The palace was designed by Prince Regent Peter around 1450 and built by his nephew King Alfonso V on the north side of the Rossio as a hostel for dignitaries and aristocrats who came to Lisbon. Under King John III. , who brought the Inquisition to the country in 1536 , the building became their seat. Judgments were held there on heresy , witchcraft and the secret practice of Jewish rites. Public executions took place on the Rossio in front of the palace and the nearby Largo de São Domingos . The first autodafé was carried out in 1540.

The palace survived the earthquake of 1755 unscathed. In 1821 the Inquisition was abolished in Portugal. 15 years later, in 1836, the palace was destroyed in a fire. Initiated by the writer Almeida Garrett , the Teatro Nacional D. Maria II was built in its place in 1842 .

Coordinates: 38 ° 42'53.3 "  N , 9 ° 8'23.3"  W.