Queluz National Palace
Details
9AM - 6PM Open
Largo Palácio de Queluz, 2745-191 Sintra, Portugal
38.7505° N, 9.2582° W
Queluz National Palace is thought to be located in Lisbon by mistake, but this is not so. The site of this castle is in the town of the same name, Queluz, in the municipality of Sintra. From Lisbon, it takes 25-30 minutes to get there.
The construction of the palace began in 1747. King Joao V wanted to build himself a country house. Two architects, Mateus Vicente de Oliveira and Jean-Baptiste Robillon, worked in the building. Here mixed architectural styles such as Rococo, Baroque and Neoclassicism.
In 1794, the monarchs moved to the castle of Queluz due to the fire in the Ajuda Palace. It became the official residence of the royal family until 1807. At that time, the royal family fled to Brazil, due to Napoleon’s invasion.
In 1908, the palace became the property of the state and since 2001 it has been open to the public.
Queluz National Palace and its Gardens are called the “Portuguese Versailles”. And this is not in vain, as its interior decoration is simply amazing. There is a beautiful park around with a lot of figuratively trimmed flower beds, statues and fountains. During the flowering of oranges, there is a marvelous aroma. You can also see the river channel made with azulejo tiles, along which the royal family and guests of the castle used to ride boats.
An interesting fact is that heads of foreign states, who come to visit Portugal, still settled here. And in the throne room, concerts of classical music and various kinds of performances are still arranged. Initially, the walls of the palace were pink, but later the Portuguese authorities repainted it in blue. We highly recommend visiting this palace, as it is the pearl of the palaces of Sintra.
Working hours:
- 10:00 – 18:00 everyday ( box office closes at 17:00)
Tickets palace + park :
- regular ticket – 10€
- if you are under 18 or over 65+ years – 8,5€
- children under 5 years – free
Tickets park only:
- regular ticket – 5€
- if you are under 18 or over 65+ years – 3,5€
- children under 5 years – free
How to get there:
- By bus №101,106
