Royal Palace of Salvaterra de Magos, Royal palace ruins in Salvaterra de Magos, Portugal.
The Royal Palace of Salvaterra de Magos is a palace complex in Portugal with preserved chapel and falconry sections along the Tagus River. The buildings show the architecture of a royal country estate with stonework and several connected structures from the colonial period.
The palace served as a royal winter retreat until 1807, when the Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil to escape French invasions. This departure marked the end of the site's regular use, and the buildings fell into decline after that.
The chapel here displays religious artwork and stonework that shows how important this place was to royal life. Visitors can notice the skilled craftsmanship in these rooms, which reflects the significance this palace held for Portuguese nobility.
The site is easy to visit, as the main structures are freely accessible and you can explore the grounds at your own pace. It is wise to wear comfortable shoes, as the property has uneven terrain and pathways wind around the ruins.
Dutch falconers established a training center here in the 1750s, which created a local tradition that took root. This specialized skill brought skilled craftspeople to the area and turned the location into a regional hub for falconry.
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