Palace of Ajuda, Neoclassical royal palace in Ajuda, Portugal.
The Palace of Ajuda is a neoclassical royal residence with state rooms, private quarters, and extensive collections of furniture, tapestries, and decorative arts. The furnishings and objects span different periods and show the artistic tastes of successive generations.
The palace was built after the 1755 earthquake that destroyed much of Lisbon and became the royal residence for the Portuguese monarchy. It was used by the royal family until the monarchy ended in 1910.
The palace shows how the Portuguese royal family lived in the 1800s, with rooms decorated according to the customs and habits of that court. Walking through the halls reveals the objects and arrangements that mattered to the people who lived here.
The building sits on a hill in the western area of Lisbon and is reachable by public transportation from the city center. Plan enough time to walk through the rooms at a comfortable pace.
Inside the building is a rare painting by El Greco, the Renaissance artist, hidden in the chapel and often overlooked by visitors. This artwork holds special cultural value for Portugal's artistic heritage.
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