Ajuda National Palace

One of the most beautiful palaces in Lisbon is the Ajuda National Palace. It is a neoclassical building of the first half of the XIX century, which, however, was too grand for its time and could not be completed immediately.

Since 1862, the unfinished palace has received a new life. Under the direction of the architect Joaquim Possidonio Narciso da Silva. Great transformations began, aimed at improving the comfort and updating the interior of the palace, according to the ideas of the bourgeoisie of the XIX century.

The Royal Palace of Ajuda in its best times was the official residence of the Portuguese monarchy, solemn ceremonies were held here, grand balls and banquets were given. After the proclamation of the Republic in 1910 and the overthrow of the monarchy, the palace was closed and reopened as a museum only after 1968.

Now 34 museum halls of the Ajuda Palace with historical authenticity reproduce the atmosphere in which the Portuguese monarchs lived. Magnificent collections of furniture, porcelain, crystal, priceless tapestries, chandeliers, jewelry, various decorative and functional items made using the advanced technologies of their time (XV-XIX centuries) - all this can be seen and photographed.