PALACE OF QUELUZ

Description

Essentials about the Palace of Queluz in brief

The Palácio Nacional de Queluz (National Palace of Queluz) is one of the most beautiful palace complexes in Portugal. It is located in the city of Queluz, just west of Lisbon. The National Palace of Queluz is significant mainly because it is one of the largest rococo-style palace complexes in Europe. Since the palace, built as a summer residence for Prince Consort Dom Pedro III in the 18th century, is visually strongly reminiscent of the world-famous Versailles Palace near Paris, the Palace of Queluz is often referred to as the “Portuguese Versailles”.

The history and architecture of the Palace of Queluz

Work on the Palace of Queluz began in 1747. In 1755, however, the Great Lisbon Earthquake abruptly halted construction activity and delayed completion of the palace. Large parts of Lisbon lay in ruins and had to be rebuilt. The National Palace of Queluz was not given priority. It was not until 1758 that work on the National Palace resumed under the new leadership of the French architect Jean Baptiste Robillon.

20 years later, on the first anniversary of the coronation of Queen Dona Maria I, the rococo palace was inaugurated. However, other parts of the palace complex were not completed until the end of the 18th century. From 1794 until their flight into Brazilian exile in 1808, the National Palace served as the seat of the Kings of Portugal. The side wing, designed and completed by Robillon in 1792, is now a guest house for foreign state guests.

The resemblance of the Palace of Queluz to Versailles Palace is due to the French architect Robillon. He was responsible for the construction of the western facade in the classicist style and the design of the large gardens is also based on his ideas. The French architect did not live to see the completion of his ideas, he died in 1782.

The interiors and gardens of the Palace of Queluz

On a guided tour of the richly decorated interiors, visitors are immersed in the former world of the Portuguese court. Many of the halls are decorated with the typical azulejos of the country. In addition, many rooms of the palace have frescoes, tapestries, wood carvings and other art objects to admire.

A special highlight of the Palace of Queluz is its garden. When the weather is nice, a walk through the large green area is an absolute must. It impresses with countless water features and ornamental ponds, which are decorated with mythological figures, as well as a large grotto.