What’s new in Lisboa?
14/07/2022
Did you know that there is a royal treasure hidden in Palácio da Ajuda?
On one of the most important palaces of the Portuguese capital, best known for its grandiosity and magnificence, the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda (Ajuda National Palace) has been the subject of rehabilitation works. There was a lot of restoration going on, and based on a rigorous historic investigation, there was a recreation of some environments from the time of D. Luís, the monarch who lived in Ajuda the longest.
So if you are in town for an event, you must know that the Palace is open to the public every day. There, visitors can travel in time to learn something about the style and the art from the 19th century.
Start your journey on the ground floor, and check the Music Room, with the instruments from the time, the beautiful Bloom Room, Marble and Billiard Rooms.
On the upper floor, make sure not to miss the Throne Room, where we can find the Portuguese 18th century royal armchairs, and the Diplomatic Corps Room, full of incredible details. The Grand Dining Hall, where the special banquets took place, is a must, as well as the Painting Studio, the Study and the King’s Bedroom.
The Palácio Nacional de Ajuda is where the State protocol ceremonies take place even today, but only recently one of the wings of the palace was finished. In fact, that part of the palace remained unfinished for more than two centuries, exactly 226 years after the first stone was laid. This work’s special purpose was to house the new Royal Treasure Museum with the crown jewels, which will open to the public soon.
All together there are around one thousand jewels belonging to the Portuguese crown. The exhibition includes priceless pieces and is considered to be one of the most valuable displays in the world. And it has never been exhibited in full before. So, don’t miss it.