Government Launches Tender for Hotel Conversion of Historic Almeida Barracks
The Portuguese State has announced the launch of a public tender for the concession of the Quartel das Esquadras, a historic 18th-century building located in the fortified town of Almeida, in the Guarda district. The currently vacant property is being made available through the Revive Program for conversion into a tourist establishment, such as a hotel or local accommodation.
The project specifications detail a 50-year concession period for the operation of the future tourist enterprise. The successful bidder will be responsible for executing all requalification and infrastructure works necessary to adapt the historic infantry barracks for a new use. The tender sets a minimum annual rent of €8,579 for the property, which encompasses a total construction area of 2,834 square meters.
This initiative is part of the broader Revive Program, a joint effort by the Ministries of Economy, Culture, and Finance, which aims to recover and valorize underutilized state-owned heritage assets by allocating them to tourism-related projects. The program is designed to attract private investment for the restoration of historic buildings, thereby boosting regional economies and preserving national heritage.
The Quartel das Esquadras features a notable baroque architectural style and a royal coat of arms on its facade. Its construction was commissioned between 1736 and 1750 by the Count of Lippe, a key military figure in the reform of the Portuguese army. The building's history is intertwined with significant national events; it was used as a setting for festivities celebrating the royal wedding of Princess D. Maria and Infante D. Pedro in 1760 and later housed Jesuit prisoners.
The structure sustained damage during the 1755 earthquake but underwent restoration in the 19th century. During the 20th century, the building was transferred to the custody of the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR). Its current vacant status has made it a prime candidate for the Revive Program, which seeks to prevent the degradation of such historically significant properties.
The deadline for the submission of proposals from interested investors is set for December 27, 2025. All procedural documents and technical specifications for the tender are publicly available through the official government procurement portal. The project represents a significant opportunity for development in the interior of Portugal, leveraging the region's rich military and historical heritage to attract tourism.
The conversion of the Quartel das Esquadras is expected to contribute to the economic and social dynamism of Almeida, which is renowned for its star-shaped fortress. The government's strategy with the Revive program is to create a national network of restored historic properties that enhance Portugal's appeal as a diverse and high-quality tourist destination. Monitor new development opportunities at realestate-lisbon.com.
