Initially this palace belonged to the Marquis of Castelo Melhor, that in the eighteenth century ordered their risk to the Italian architect Francisco Xavier Fabri. Given the growth of property bought by the Marquis 13.500 reis the surrounding land.Yet, French invasion and the lack of media caused a long interruption in the construction of the palace, which was only resumed in 1845 under the ownership of four. Marquess, D. António de Vasconcelos e Sousa, taking the works completed in 1858.

Purchased in 1889 by the Marquis of Foz, the palace became the most sumptuous residence of Lisbon and its interior on the most sumptuous was known, with the presence of rare materials, as wood from Brazil, carving Lorvão, a staircase in the Paris workshops Moru, imitating ironwork of Versailles, but on a larger scale and detail, and work of Joseph and Columba Malhoa. The facade has become an example of architectural style in vogue since the beginning of the century. Century in France of Napoleon III, following the design of architect Antonio Jose Gaspar, with sculptures Simões de Almeida.

Today is a living museum where you will find such gems as the painting of the Grand Dauphin of France, which belonged to the reading room of Louis XIV, planter or table in which he served ice cream. In 6 May 1901 your valuable furniture was auctioned, as heralding the end of the monarchy and the power of the nobility. Next year, was rented to Manuel Jose da Silva, owner of the Yearbook Commercial. The Circo Price rented part of the building including the gardens, install in place of the Recreios Withoyne, building inside the palace a great theater. Mortgaged in 1908 in Credit Land, would be acquired in 1910 by the Earl of Sucena. The family rented the space to Sucena goldsmith, Tailors, photographers, Dressmakers, clubs, leitaria, gym. Came here to work the U.S. delegation, but also Confectionery Foz, Salão Foz, or Maxim's Club, Central Cinema, Abbey's Restaurant and Club Restauradores.
The building has new mortgage in favor of Caixa Geral de Depósitos, who bought it in 1939. The following year came into the possession of Finance, has been restored on 1944 by a team led by architect Luis Benavente. In 1947 here was the headquarters of the National Secretariat of Information and Popular Culture - SNI. It is currently occupied by the Media Institute and a tourist office, being considered from a Public Interest 1971.