Penafiel Palace, Administrative palace in Santa Maria Maior, Portugal.
Penafiel Palace is an L-shaped administrative building with wings extending north and east, built with granite and featuring decorated windows across multiple stories. The structure showcases carefully crafted corners and ornamental details throughout.
The palace was built in the first half of the 17th century as a residence for the postmaster-general, serving this role until the 1755 earthquake destroyed much of the city. It was later rebuilt and returned to administrative use.
The rooms display traditional blue and white azulejo tiles that cover the walls, showing how Portuguese families decorated their grand homes. These tile panels still give the interior its distinctive character today.
The building now houses the headquarters of an international language organization and can only be visited on special occasions. Plan ahead and arrange a visit in advance when possible.
Stone angels and the coat-of-arms of the Counts of Penafiel topped with a crown decorate the main front of the building. These ornaments highlight the former importance of the house as a high-ranking family residence.
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