Elevated Heritage above the Baixa
Following the Great Earthquake of 1755, Lisbon birthed the anti-seismic Pombalino style, and this apartment honors that resilience. CASCA studio treated the renovation as a "graft," inserting modern functionality while highlighting 18th-century tiles and limestone stuccos. The result is a playful dialogue between the old wood structure and clean, geometric furniture pieces designed specifically for the attic volume.
Native pine plywood, cork, and wool fabrics soften the architectural lines. High wood-beamed ceilings create an expansive volume, while original wood doors remain as tactile reminders of the past. The social area is anchored by art and lighting, creating a space that feels both gallery-like and deeply personal.
The city serves as its extended terrace. The high-altitude windows provide a 360-degree visual connection to the Baixa-Chiado and Castelo skyline. Stepping out of the 18th-century doorway places guests immediately into the walkable streets of Lisbon's historic center, just moments from the Tagus River promenades and the iconic Praça do Comércio.
What we love
We love how the architects left the raw 18th-century wood beams and heritage tiles exposed, making the whole place feel like a living piece of Lisbon history. The mix of pine plywood and cork keeps the heritage vibe from feeling too heavy, creating a bright, open space where you actually want to hang out. A favorite spot is the kitchen, where those vintage tiles make even brewing morning coffee feel like a design experience.
Layout
This 130-square-meter apartment sleeps six guests. It includes one queen bedroom, one twin room, and an office featuring two single sofa beds separated by a heavy burel wool curtain. Two bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen complete the floor plan.
Experiences
Guests can take an architectural tour of the building’s unique anti-seismic structure.
Good to know
Accessing this heritage gem requires climbing five flights of stairs as there is no elevator. Due to the open-plan structure, sound travels easily between rooms. The office sleeping area uses a heavy wool curtain for visual privacy rather than a solid door. Parking is available at an underground lot across the street.
There is a maximum stay of 14 nights. Lisbon Municipality charges four euros per adult (13 years or older) per night, up to seven nights. For stays up to four nights, one set of towels per guest will be provided. For stays up to seven nights, two sets of towels per guest will be provided. For stays of up to seven nights, cleaning during each stay is optional and available at extra cost, with advance notice. For stays of eight nights or longer, one cleaning service (with change of linen and towels) per week is mandatory (80-euro charge).
Amenities and services
Air conditioning, high speed wifi, Netflix HDTV, four coffee machines (Nespresso, filter, French press, moka pot), Molton Brown amenities (shampoo, hand and body wash), Lierac face cleansing milk, washer, crib available, dishwasher, professional cleaning
Around
Located in the Baixa-Chiado district, the apartment is a short walk from the Santa Justa Elevator, Carmo Convent, and the Sé Cathedral. The area is exceptionally flat for Lisbon, perfect for strolling to the Rio Tejo or exploring the nearby Chiado and Alfama neighborhoods. Public transport is easy. The Rossio "Green Line" subway is directly across the street, and the historic Tram 28 stops just around the corner. Rossio Train Station, offering direct access to the fairytale palaces of Sintra, is within walking distance. Cais do Sodré Train Station, at a walking distance as well, offers direct access to Cascais and beaches.
Location
Baixa-Chiado, Lisbon, Portugal. Nearest airport: Humberto Delgado (LIS, 7km)
Best time to visit
Lisbon is a great city to visit both in winter (less crowded and ideal for shopping) and in summer, to make the most of the beaches and rooftop bars. Lisbon doesn't experience extreme temperatures due to its location near the sea, or seasonal weather phenomena, making it a pleasant city to visit at any time of year.
