This palace, built by Lino Henriques Bento de Sousa, a typical Brazilian immigrant, born in the parish of Lobão, Vila da Feira. He lived there with his wife Maria Albertina Saraiva de Sousa. On March 10, 1906 he received the title of Viscount granted by D. Carlos I and on February 22, 1908 that of Conde de Lobão granted by D. Manuel II. As they left no descendants, the couple bequeathed the House and its contents to the City Hall of Porto.
The whole building is characterised by its Art Nouveau exterior, where the decorative effects combine with the construction solutions (metallic structures) giving it a remarkable coherence.
The chalet-like house with its rectangular floor plan is elevated in the centre and features rhythmic elevations due to the composition of the roof. Noteworthy are the eaves supported by pieces of worked wood and the glazing of the rear elevation supported by a cast iron structure. Inside, its stucco ceilings with winding and undulating lines, interwoven with flowers, were the main work in Art Nouveau by António Enes Baganha (1880-1934).
The garden has several large trees and exotic plants brought from Brazil, such as oaks, jacaranda trees and magnolias. It also has a beautiful gazebo, a windmill, a beautiful greenhouse with coloured glass and a small lake.
Currently, the palace is partially occupied by the Institute of Social Services, where there is a rehabilitation centre for young adults with disabilities.
