Palácio dos Duques de Aveiro

Palácio dos Duques de Aveiro is a Renaissance palace near Azeitão featuring a U-shaped layout with a central facade marked by twin Doric columns, triangular pediments, and a large stone staircase leading to the entrance. The structure spans multiple levels with numerous rooms designed for court ceremonies and the residence of the noble family.

Construction of the palace began between 1521 and 1537 under the direction of D. Jorge de Lancastre, and the Duke of Aveiro title was later granted to D. João de Lancastre. A turning point came in 1759 when authorities confiscated the palace, leading to the loss of many valuable interior decorative elements.

The entrance hall, called Sala dos Tedescos, features decorated tiles that connect to reception rooms, dining spaces, and a ballroom with ornate ceiling designs. These rooms show how the noble family displayed their status through the spaces where they gathered and entertained.

The building currently requires extensive restoration work, which limits visitor access to the site. It is important to check ahead as availability and accessibility may vary depending on ongoing conservation efforts.

The palace was once the property of the Távora family, whose wealth and possessions were completely confiscated in 1759. This resulted in the permanent loss of many original furnishings and artworks that had decorated the interior spaces.