Lisbon Tourism Association honored with Valmor and municipal architecture award for South-Southeast Station renovation
This recognition celebrates the station’s transformation into a modern cultural and tourism hub while honoring its architectural heritage.
The Lisbon Tourism Association (ATL) has been awarded the prestigious Valmor and Municipal Architecture Prize for its renovation of the South-Southeast Station, located at Commerce Square.
The award-winning project, designed by architect Ana Costa, was selected by the jury as one of the most notable works completed in Lisbon between 2021 and 2024, chosen from a pool of 556 submissions. Ana Costa was also personally recognized for her contribution to the project.
According to José Luís Arnaut, Vice-President of ATL, the rehabilitation of the South-Southeast Station exemplifies a broader effort to revitalize historical landmarks through successful collaboration between the cultural and tourism sectors. He emphasized that the intervention not only protects and highlights the site’s historical and architectural significance but also enhances the overall experience for both residents and visitors.
Originally designed by Cottinelli Telmo, the South-Southeast Station stands as a symbol of Portuguese modernist architecture and is officially classified as a Monument of Public Interest. The renovation project carefully preserved the building’s original architectural elements while integrating it into the Tagus River’s maritime-tourism network. The South-Southeast Station renovation now features improved connectivity to the river terminal, new services, and the Central Tejo, an interactive exhibition space that explores the cultural and environmental significance of the Tagus River and its surrounding areas.
Established in 1943, the Valmor and Municipal Architecture Prize is one of Portugal’s most respected honors in architectural excellence. This edition saw 11 awards distributed, including five main prizes and six honorable mentions, as part of the city’s initiative to recognize outstanding works completed during the 2021–2024 period.
Highlights
- Award: Valmor and Municipal Architecture Prize
- Winner: Lisbon Tourism Association (ATL)
- Project Lead: Architect Ana Costa
- Location: South-Southeast Station, Terreiro do Paço, Lisbon
- Historical Value: Modernist building by Cottinelli Telmo, classified as Monument of Public Interest
- New Features: Enhanced public services, river terminal access, and Central Tejo experience
- Recognition Period: 2021–2024, among 556 considered projects
This honor not only recognizes Lisbon’s commitment to architectural conservation but also showcases how cultural heritage can be seamlessly integrated with tourism development, creating sustainable and enriching urban spaces for future generations.