Queluz National Palace: the Portuguese Versailles
The Palacio Nacional de Queluz is often referred to as the Portuguese Versailles due to its French Gardens. The construction of Queluz Palace began in 1747 as a manor house for King Pedro II. The property survived an earthquake, the Napoleonic Invasion, and the Liberal Wars. Queluz Palace was enlarged in 1760 and became the royal residence in 1794. A fire destroyed a wing of the palace in 1934, as a result, much of the artwork is copies of the original. This is a great place to visit while in Lisbon Portugal.
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The palace is pastel blue and sits in a cobbled square. It consists of a Throne Room for balls and banquets, an Ambassadors Room, a Music Hall for operas and concerts, a Princess’ Apartment, and a Chapel. The palace’s kitchen is now a restaurant known for its deserts. The French-style gardens consist of statutes, fountains, ponds, formal terraces, tree-lined walkways, and topiaries. Do not miss the central feature of the gardens, the Canal dos Azulejos.
Queluz Palace was the royal residence of Queen D. Maria. The Queen had a mental break of sorts when her husband passed away in 1786. Her mental health further deteriorated after her eldest son passed away in 1788. Queen Maria began having visions and hallucinations and was confined from public view in her son’s previous living quarters. The States Rooms became known as Maria’s Pavilion and it is documented that her screams were heard throughout the palace.
Today Queluz Palace is open for classical concerts, equestrian shows, and public tours. It is also used to accommodate state guests and dignitaries. The palace is halfway between Lisbon and Sintra; it is accessible by a simple 20-minute train ride. Catch the train at Lisbon’s Rossio Station toward Sintra; exit at the Queluz-Belas Station. It is a 10-minute walk to the palace. Tickets may be purchased online. Or, take the Royal Tour of Palaces from Lisbon.
Check the Lisbon Portugal Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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