Lost in Time: The Chamiço Banking Family's Rise, Fall, and Lasting Impact

The Chamiço banking family holds a significant place in Portuguese history, particularly due to their instrumental role in the establishment of the Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) 150 years ago. The origins of the family's involvement can be traced back to José da Silva Mendes Leal, who had strong family, political, and Masonic ties to Francisco Chamiço, then Minister of Navy and Overseas Affairs. In April 1864, Leal personally presented the bank's project to the Chamber of Deputies, and by May 10th of the same year, the decree authorizing the new bank was approved. Finally, on May 16th, 1864, King Luís signed the Charter, officially establishing the Banco Nacional Ultramarino.

Francisco de Oliveira Chamiço, son of Fortunato de Oliveira Chamiço and Cândida Margarida Pacheco Oliveira, was a pivotal figure in the family. While his brothers, Fortunato Chamiço Júnior and Eduardo de Oliveira Chamiço, had limited descendants, Francisco married Claudina de Freitas Guimarães. Despite not having children of their own, their union marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.

Tragedy struck the Chamiço family in 1900 when they were struck by tuberculosis, and all members of the family succumbed to the illness. Consequently, Claudina Chamiço, the widow of Francisco, inherited their immense fortune. The Chamiço brothers, originally from Porto, relocated to Lisbon in the mid-19th century. Fortunato, the owner of Casa Bancária Fortunato Chamiço Júnior (later transformed into Banco Totta), purchased the Raton Palace on Rua Formosa (now Rua do Século) in 1878. After the passing of Fortunato Jr. and his wife, their daughter Amélia Chamiço and her husband Frederico Biester resided in the palace. Following their deaths, Claudina inherited all their assets, including the "Raton" palace, which remained closed until her own demise. Today, the building serves as the Constitutional Court.

Claudina Chamiço herself leased the Paço Ducal, located on Rua António Maria Cardoso, from the House of Braganza in 1861. She remained a tenant there until her passing on July 18th, 1913. Subsequently, the building housed the Brazilian embassy and, from the 1950s onwards, the PIDE (International and State Defense Police). The interior has been renovated, while the exterior still retains the architectural style from Francisco Chamiço's era.

At the end of Rua António Maria Cardoso, near the Chiado Square (formerly Largo das Duas Igrejas), Francisco Chamiço established the first headquarters of the Banco Nacional Ultramarino. It was a beautiful building, complete with a backyard entrance through number 76 on Rua António Maria Cardoso. Being the president of BNU, Francisco didn't require transportation to commute between his home and the bank's headquarters.

Upon her passing at the age of 91, Claudina left behind an enormous fortune. Her will included substantial legacies, which today would be equivalent to approximately 21 million euros, as well as the Santa Ana Sanatorium in Parede, bequeathed to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, along with a sum of around 11 million euros for its maintenance. She is considered one of the institution's greatest benefactors. In recognition of her exceptional contributions and the significant sum she provided for the sanatorium, a street in Caldas da Rainha was named after her. It is worth noting that she also deserved a street in Parede.

In addition to the legacies left to various entities and individuals, particularly those in need and social support organizations, Claudina bequeathed the remainder of her fortune, which included the Raton Palace, the Biester Chalet in Sintra, Roça Monte Café in São Tomé, household furnishings, jewelry, and financial assets, to a niece.

The BNU's first headquarters in the Chiado Square, seen from the Rua da Direita, and the Paço Ducal on Rua António Maria Cardoso serve as enduring reminders of the Chamiço family's significant contributions to Portugal's banking history.