Royal Palaces Around Lisbon
Every traveler has different preferences about what to see, experience, taste, and so on.
But, in general, there is always time to learn a little about the history of a country.
Portugal is almost 900 years old, and most of it was a monarchy.
From that time, we have a unique and rich heritage of places to visit.
Around Lisbon, there is no lack of royal palaces to know about. Most of them are visitable nowadays.
Here’s a list. Most of these monuments do close on January 1st, December 25th, some close on May 1st, Easter, Municipal holidays and for those that have a weekly closing day I mention it in the comments below. Enjoy and explore.
Palácio Nacional de Mafra
Mafra National Palace, also known as the Palace-Convent of Mafra, is an impressive Baroque-style construction..
It was built in the 18th century on demand of King John V of Portugal,
The palace has over 1,200 rooms, including a library with 36,000 volumes, making it one of the largest palaces in Europe.
It is also famous for its two carillons, which are among the largest in the world, and for its ornate Baroque facade.
The palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Closed on tuesdays
Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
Palácio Nacional da Ajuda is a neoclassical palace commissioned in the early 19th century by King John VI of Portugal and completed in 1861. The palace served as the official residence of the Portuguese royal family until the monarchy was overthrown in 1910.
The palace is known for its stunning interiors, which feature intricate decorations and ornate furnishings.
Visitors can explore the various rooms of the palace, including the Throne Room, the Music Room, and the Ballroom, which are filled with artwork, chandeliers, and other lavish decorations.
The palace also houses a museum that showcases a collection of Portuguese Royal jewels and treasures.
Closed on Wednesdays
Palácio Nacional de Queluz
It’s a 18th-century palace built in the Rococo style as a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family.
It is known for its beautiful gardens and fountains and features a mix of Portuguese, Italian, and French architectural styles
It is considered one of the most important examples of Rococo architecture in Portugal.
Palácio Nacional de Belém
Originally built in the early 16th century as a monastery, it was later converted into a palace and became the official residence of the Portuguese royal family in the late 18th century. Today, it is the official residence of the President of Portugal and is open to the public for guided tours of the palace’s stunning interiors, including its impressive collection of decorative arts and furnishings. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens, including the Jardim Botânico da Ajuda, a botanical garden established in the 18th century.
Guided visits on Saturdays, on request. Contact first the Museum of the Presidency.
Palácio da Cidadela de Cascais
Formerly the residence of the governor of the citadel, it was refurbished for use as the summer residence of the Royal Family, which spent September there annually from 1870 until the assassination of King Dom Carlos in 1908.
It was subsequently used as one of the official residences of Portuguese presidents, but over time fell into neglect.
After extensive restoration it was opened as a museum in 2011.
Guided Visits on thursdays, fridays, saturdays, sundays with a previous appointment.
Palácio Nacional de Sintra
The palace was built in the 14th century and served as a residence for the Portuguese royal family for many years. It is a mix of Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architectural styles, with intricate stonework, colourful tiles, and beautiful gardens.
Inside, visitors can admire the lavish rooms decorated with stunning works of art, including intricate tilework, paintings, and tapestries.
Some of the most famous rooms include the Heraldic room, the Swan Room, the Magpie Room, and the Arab Room. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Palácio Nacional da Pena
Built over the remains of a 16th century Hieronymite convent, it is a national monument and constitutes one of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in the world.
The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
Quinta Real de Caxias
It was the pleasure farm of Queen D. Maria I and D. Luís used it as a residence for a few weeks before settling in the…