Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Ajuda
Situated in the parish of Ajuda, the palace stands atop a hill in Lisbon. This position offers a perspective over the surrounding area and the Tagus River, integrating the building into the urban and natural landscape of the Portuguese capital.
The Ajuda National Palace began construction after the 1755 earthquake, which destroyed the previous royal residence. The neoclassical-inspired project evolved over time and, despite remaining unfinished for a long period, gained significant prominence from 1861, when it became the official residence of the Portuguese royal family, namely King D. Luís I and Queen D. Maria Pia. It was here that the court lived and where major events took place until the implementation of the Republic in 1910, at which point the palace was closed.
Upon visiting the palace, you have the opportunity to discover the spaces where the life of the Portuguese royal family unfolded in the late 19th century. The museum authentically preserves the layout and decoration of the rooms as they existed at that time. The tour allows you to explore different environments, from the more private royal family apartments on the ground floor, adapted for comfort and hygiene of the era, to the majestic state rooms on the noble floor, used for state ceremonies, receptions, and banquets. Highlights include the imposing Throne Room and the bedrooms of King D. Luís I and Queen D. Maria Pia, which reflect the monarchs' tastes and personalities.
The museum houses vast collections of decorative arts, mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries, originating from the former crown assets. Throughout the various rooms, you can observe notable pieces of furniture, goldsmithery, tapestry, ceramics, and glassware, as well as collections of painting, sculpture, and engraving. One of the highlights of the visit is the area dedicated to the Royal Treasury, located in a recently completed wing. This space displays a unique collection of crown jewels, ceremonial goldsmithery, decorations, and other precious assets that bear witness to the wealth and history of the Portuguese monarchy.
The building features neoclassical style architecture, with influences reflecting the different phases of its long construction. The original project underwent alterations over time, resulting in the structure observed today. The recent completion of one of the western wings, which houses the new Royal Treasury Museum, introduced a more contemporary architectural element, contrasting with the historical part and completing the edifice as it was envisioned in parts of the original plans.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7076247,-9.1979777
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'27.4"N 09°11'52.7"W
Weather Ajuda
On-duty Pharmacy Ajuda
