A statue with the Palace in the Background.

From Baroque Architecture to Botanical Gardens: Exploring the Queluz National Palace

The Queluz National Palace in Sintra is an 18th-century architectural gem, once a summer retreat for Don Pedro de Bragança, and is one of the last significant Rococo-style buildings erected in Europe.

Rich in history and beauty, the palace provides a unique experience for lovers of regal architecture.

The Queluz National Palace is open seven days a week, allowing you to plan your visit according to your schedule.

As you explore the palace, the opulent interiors, stunning gardens, and various artistic styles throughout the buildings will captivate you.

Don’t forget to take some time to explore the lovely gardens surrounding the palace. You’ll encounter elegant fountains, statues, and detailed landscaping, making for a memorable experience in Sintra.

History and Significance

An old painting of the Queluz farm before it bacame the Palace.
Unkown author at wikipedia

Royal Family and Residents

The National Palace of Queluz, located in Sintra, Portugal, has a rich history closely connected to the lives of three generations of the Portuguese Royal Family.

It began as an old Queluz Manor House, ordered for construction by D. Cristóvão de Moura, the first Marquis of Castelo Rodrigo. In the late 1700s, it served as the official residence for the royal family, including King Pedro and Queen Maria I.

Architectural Styles and Influences

A wide photo with a marble staircase outside the palace
The Queluz Palace stairs by Alvesgaspar at Wikipedia

As you explore the palace, you’ll notice various architectural styles primarily influenced by Baroque and Rococo designs.

The palace draws inspiration from the iconic Palace of Versailles, featuring lavish formal gardens and an imposing structure.

The renowned architect Mateus Vicente de Oliveira played a significant role in the design process, infusing the building with intricate details (parquesdesintra).

Additionally, you may find traces of Moorish influence, particularly in the palace’s tiles, further enriching the palace’s architectural tapestry.

Several notable buildings and structures within the palace complex contribute to its historical significance, such as the Moorish Castle and the Royal Theatre in the Ajuda wing (Wikipedia).

Main Attractions

Throne Room and Chapel

The altar at the chapel.
The Chapel by Holger Uwe Schmitt at wikipedia

When visiting the Queluz National Palace, explore the impressive Throne Room.

This grand hall, adorned with rich gilded decorations and ceiling paintings, once served as a location for court festivities and essential ceremonies.

You’ll be in awe of the skillful craftsmanship on display here.

Another noteworthy attraction within the palace is the Chapel.

This sacred space presents an elegant combination of Rococo and Neoclassical styles.

As you observe the delicate woodcarving and beautiful paintings that adorn the Chapel, take a moment to appreciate this space’s spiritual atmosphere and historical significance.

The Ambassadors room

A Ornamented room with checkers tiles on the floor.
The Ambassador Room by Holger Uwe Schmitt at Wikipedia

This chamber was previously called the Hall of Columns or Room of Serenades, where concerts were held for Pedro III and Maria I.

The elaborate central ceiling painting portrays the royal family attending one such show.

The two platforms with thrones were intended for the monarchs and the Princes of Brazil, who were present in the room as the throne’s heir.

In 1794, King João VI designated this space as the Ambassadors Room.

On specific days, the nobility, court members, diplomatic envoys, and ambassadors were summoned to the palace to pay homage to the monarch, which took place in this room.

The Room of Carving is another name for this area, owing to the sizeable Chinese porcelain vases on gilded and intricately carved wooden stands.

Formal Gardens

Step outside the palace and immerse yourself in the Formal Gardens surrounding Queluz Palace.

The Queluz gardens, created by renowned French architect and silversmith Jean Baptiste Robillion, are a masterpiece of landscape design.

These stunning gardens showcase an array of sculptures, fountains, and geometrically arranged flowerbeds.

As you stroll through the gardens, you’ll discover various sections inspired by classical mythology, including the charming Medusa’s Grotto.

John Cheere’s London workshop crafted the lead sculptures.

A fountain and statues in the middle of the gardens.
Statues in the Garden by Peter Tritthart at Wikipedia

His remarkable work helped bring life to the mythological themes and stories portrayed throughout the garden.

The upper gardens are separated from the rest of the park by balustrades adorned with stone sculptures, creating a sense of grandeur and exclusivity.

In front of the Throne and Music Rooms, the Malta Garden was created to honor Pedro III’s role as Grand Master of the Order of Malta.

It was built on a former water mirror feature site and boasted its unique charm.

The Hanging or Neptune Garden, situated at the axis of the Ceremonial Façade, gets its name from being partially located over a reservoir that collects excess water from Neptune’s Lake and the Amphitrite or Nereid’s Lake.

The garden’s geometric flowerbeds, defined by boxwood bushes, are reminiscent of the French “parterre de broderie” style.

The garden is adorned with lakes, vases, urns, and marble statues, with many pieces imported from Italy.

The entire garden is a stunning display of art and nature, leaving visitors in awe.

The grand cascade

The Grand Cascade at the Queluz National Palace in Sintra is a magnificent example of Baroque garden design.

It features cascading waterfalls and fountains fed by a large reservoir, creating an impressive display of water and sound.

The centerpiece of the Grand Cascade is the large fountain at the top, which features a statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.

A statue of Neptune in the center of the fountain.
Neptune fountain by Pedro at Wikipedia

From there, the water flows down a series of terraces and smaller fountains, eventually ending in a large reflecting pool at the bottom.

The Grand Cascade was designed by the French architect Jean Baptiste Robillion, who was also responsible for the palace’s gardens.

Today, the Grand Cascade is one of the most popular attractions at the Queluz National Palace.

Visitors can stroll along the terraces, admire the intricate stonework and sculptures, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding gardens.

The Grand Cascade is a testament to the beauty and creativity of Baroque garden design.

The Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden at the Queluz National Palace in Sintra is a beautiful, tranquil space showcasing various plants and trees worldwide.

A tiled staircase and fountain in the gardens.
The Gardens by Alves gaspar at Wikipedia

The Portuguese royal family established the garden in the 18th century and were avid collectors of exotic plants and botanical specimens.

Today, the Botanical Garden covers an area of over 16 acres. It features a diverse collection of flora, including rare and endangered species.

Visitors can stroll along the garden’s winding paths, taking in the colorful flowers, shrubs, and trees.

Some of the park’s highlights include the camellia collection, the rose garden, and the orchid house.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Botanical Garden also has historical significance.

It was once used as a hunting ground by the Portuguese royal family. It was later transformed into a garden by Queen Maria I.

The French Baroque style heavily influences the garden’s design, with symmetrical layouts, ornate fountains, and sculptures.

Overall, the Botanical Garden at the Queluz National Palace is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature, history, or horticulture.

It’s a peaceful oasis in the heart of Sintra, where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world.

Botanical Garden Awards

The Botanical Garden at the Queluz National Palace was awarded the Europa Nostra Award in 2018.

This prestigious award is given to projects that preserve and promote European cultural heritage.

The Botanical Garden received recognition for extensive restoration work over several years to revitalize its historic features and plant collections.

The award was a testament to the garden’s importance as a cultural and natural heritage site and to the dedication and hard work of the team responsible for its restoration.

Portuguese School of Equestrian Art

Do not miss the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art when visiting the Queluz National Palace in Sintra, Portugal.

This prestigious institution follows the model established at the Picaria Real, the equestrian academy of the Portuguese court in the 18th and early 19th centuries1.

At the school, you’ll experience the rich tradition of Portuguese equestrian arts, with horses and riders performing intricate exercises in authentic costumes and saddles1.

The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art is based in the gardens of the National Palace of Queluz2.

It is dedicated to conserving and promoting the Alter Real-bred Lusitano horse, a unique breed from Portugal2.

The school also aims to preserve the Portuguese tradition of Haute École, a highly skilled form of classical dressage2.

When planning your visit, note that the school often hosts public performances at the Henrique Calado Riding Ring on Calçada da Ajuda in Lisbon1.

However, some horses are still cared for at the Palace of Queluz Gardens1, allowing you to witness them up close during your visit.

Every Wednesday and Saturday at 11 am, you can attend a mounted horse parade in the palace gardens, showcasing the horses’ and their riders’ incredible skill and artistry.

These performances are accompanied by impressive lighting and sound effects, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience3.

In summary, don’t miss visiting the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art during your trip to the Queluz National Palace in Sintra.

Witness the magnificent Lusitano horses and their talented riders while exploring the beautiful palace gardens.

Footnotes

  1. Parques de Sintra
  2.  Tripadvisor
  3.  Visit Portugal
A ballroom.
The Ballroom by Pedro J Pacheco at Wikipedia

Membership in the Network of European Royal Residences

It may interest you that this remarkable palace is a proud member of the Network of European Royal Residences.

This network brings together the institutions in charge of Europe’s most prestigious palace museums since 1995.

By visiting Queluz National Palace, you’re exploring a beautiful piece of Portuguese architecture and engaging with a part of the network’s mission to promote and perpetuate the heritage these royal residences represent.

The network has more than 20 members across different European countries and regions. Some key objectives of the network include:

  • Enhancing the preservation and development of the residences
  • Encouraging cultural exchanges and cooperation between the various palace museums
  • Facilitating public access to these historical sites
  • Promoting the rich heritage of the European royal homes to a broader audience

So, as you walk through the magnificent halls and gardens of the Palácio Nacional de Queluz, you are not only experiencing the rich history of Portugal’s royal past, but you’re also engaging with a more significant, European-wide effort to preserve and promote the cultural legacy that these royal residences embody.

Please take advantage of your visit to Queluz National Palace by seeking other European Royal Residences during your travels. Experience how their shared efforts celebrate and preserve the common cultural heritage.

Access and Admission

Transportation Options

Getting to the Queluz National Palace is easy, as it’s conveniently located in Sintra, Portugal.

You can take a train from Lisbon on the Sintra line from Rossio station, which takes around 20 minutes. Once you reach Queluz-Belas train station, it’s just a 15-minute walk to the palace.

If you prefer a more direct route, consider taking an Uber or taxi to reach the palace quickly.

Ticket Pricing

Here’s a breakdown of the ticket prices for the Queluz National Palace and its gardens:

Youths (6-17)€8.50
Adults (18 – 64)€10
seniors (65+)€8.50
Family (2 adults + 2 youths)€33
Prices for the Palace and Garden ticket as of May 2023.

Different prices are available for those only interested in visiting the gardens:

Youths (6-17)€3.50
Adults (18 – 64)€5
seniors (65+)€3.50
Family (2 adults + 2 youths)€15
Prices for the Garden ticket as of May 2023.

Discounts

The Lisboa Card offers a 10% discount on admission to the palace and gardens, making it a great option to explore other attractions in Lisbon and its surroundings.

The card also discounts public transportation and access to other museums and landmarks, giving you the best value for your visit.

This is what you’ll get from the visit:

A visit to the Queluz National Palace is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Sintra.

This stunning 18th-century palace boasts ornate Baroque architecture, lavish interiors, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Visitors can explore the palace’s opulent rooms, including the Throne Room, the Music Room, and the Hall of Mirrors, and admire the artwork and furnishings that reflect the palace’s royal history.

The palace’s gardens are equally impressive, featuring a grand cascade, a botanical garden, and a maze, among other attractions.

Visiting the Queluz National Palace is a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the grandeur and elegance of Portugal’s royal past.

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