Space

The 1755 earthquake devastated a large part of the convent of S.Francisco, from which emerged the building where the Tágide Restaurant is located.

It was remodelled with a modern and refined decoration, which highlights the old tile panels, the magnificent chandeliers, and the classic stone fountains, which are part of the original construction.

The ascent to the restaurant lounge is made via an imposing staircase that displays 18th century panels, the original heritage of Portuguese tile-making, which express the magnificence of Baroque taste and mentality, exalted by the court of King João V and then adopted by the nobility in their palaces. Called Figures of Invitation, they are elements that encourage conviviality, staging the ritual of the reception, a moment that rigorous etiquette chose for the construction of a scenario full of pomp. Represented on a natural scale, they dialogue with the spectator, staring at them with their gaze and talking gestures.

In the dining room, the guests are enchanted by the magical atmosphere of a restaurant whose name refers to the tágides (tágides are the nymphs of Luís Vaz de Camões, the greatest poet of the Portuguese language, adapted from the nereids of Greco-Roman mythology), by the stunning view of a space that opens onto the Tagus and the City of Lisbon and by the distinctive tiles evoking Roman mythology.

Six life-size cut-out figures represent the rulers of the kingdoms (Saturn, Jupiter and Pluto) and the divinities that preside over war (Mars, Vulcan and Hercules). The set adorned two walls of the palace of the Counts of Mesquitela on the Calçada do Combro. The figures were commissioned by the Viscount of Mesquitela, a title bestowed by King José in 1754.

The refinement and elegance of the space is based on this historical and cultural dimension that invades us and transports us to immemorial times...