Tivoli Palacio de Seteais was constructed amid the European embrace of art that championed emotion, individualism, and nature during the first half of the 19th century.

Built on the orders of the Dutch consul Daniel Gildemeester, the Seteais Palace was built between 1783 and 1787 on lands granted by the Marquis of Pombal. The consul chose to build his house on an elevation, so that he could enjoy the gorgeous landscape of the Sintra hills. In 1797, Gildemeester’s widow sold the palace to Diogo José Vito de Menezes Noronha Coutinho, 5th Marquis of Marialva. The palace was then enlarged between 1801 and 1802, with its layout turned into the style of a symmetrical U-shape. The cornice of the buildings that composed the main façade was decorated with typical Neoclassical motifs like vases, busts, and reliefs of garlands. The wings were connected together by a grand archway that had been built in honor of Prince John VI and his wife, Princess Carlota Joaquina. Decorated with the bronze effigies of the royal couple and a commemorative Latin inscription, the archway is attributed to architect Francisco Leal Garcia.

The palace belonged to Joao Fernando Salazar e Bragança for a while between 1890 - 1910. After changing hands several times shortly thereafter, the Portuguese government purchased the site in 1946. The Seteais Palace has been used as a luxury hotel since 1954, and many of its original features have been meticulously preserved for future generations to admire. This grand historic destination underwent a massive renovation in 2009, thanks to a lucrative partnership with Fundação Ricardo Espírito Santo Silva. As such, the Tivoli Palacio de Seteais will spend many more years entertaining countless guests.