Perspectives on the Casa de Ceuta

Abstract

The Casa de Ceuta was the first institution created in the context of the Portuguese Expansion, probably right after the conquest of that city, although its existence is only certain from 1434 onwards. Its responsibilities included the provision, organization of journeys and the administration of all issues relating the military garrisons, the armament and the fortresses of Ceuta and the other Portuguese conquests in North Africa. Also, in its best phase, it was a significant production and transformation unit. It had an extraordinary longevity, only being extinguished in 1769 when Mazagan was abandoned. The Casa de Ceuta had a wide and privileged implantation in Lisbon’s riverside, close to the beach, the piers and the shipyards, protected by the Cerca Fernandina. The construction of the Paço da Ribeira, partially built above the Casa de Ceuta, extended the front side of the Terreiro do Paço that survived until the earthquake of 1755.