Every traveler has different preferences about what to see, experience, and taste when visiting a country. That being said, there is always time to learn a little about that country’s history. Portugal is almost 900 years old, making it the oldest country in the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal’s monarchy ruled from the early 1100s to 1910, before becoming the Portuguese Republic. Many unique and historical sites in Lisbon that were prevalent during the monarchy are still accessible today. Below is a list of palaces near Lisbon that folks can visit today (unless stated otherwise).
*Most of these monuments are closed on December 25th and January 1st. Some palaces close on May 1st, Easter, and Municipal holidays. Palaces that have a weekly closing day, I mention it in the description below. Enjoy and explore.
Here’s a list:
Palácio Nacional de Mafra
Mafra National Palace, also known as the Palace-Convent of Mafra, is an impressive Baroque-style building. It was built in the 18th century by the demand of King John V of Portugal. The palace has over 1,200 rooms, including a library with 36,000 books, making it one of the largest palaces in Europe. It is also famous for its two carillons, among the largest in the world, and its ornate Baroque facade.
The palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Closed on Tuesdays.
Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
This neoclassical palace was commissioned in the early 19th century by King John VI and completed in 1861. This was the official residence of the Portuguese royal family until the monarchy was overthrown in 1910. The palace is known for its stunning interiors, featuring intricate decorations and ornate furnishings. Visitors can explore the various rooms of the palace, including the Throne Room, the Music Room, and the Ballroom. The palace also houses a museum that showcases a collection of Portuguese Royal jewels and treasures.
Closed on Wednesdays.
Palácio Nacional de Belém
Originally built in the early 16th century as a monastery, it was later converted into a palace and became the official residence of the Portuguese royal family in the late 18th century. Today, it is the official residence of the President of Portugal and is open to the public for guided tours of the palace’s stunning interiors, including its impressive collection of decorative arts and furnishings. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens, including the Jardim Botânico da Ajuda, a botanical garden established in the 18th century.
Guided visits on Saturdays are available upon request. Contact the Museum of the Presidency to book tours.
Palácio da Cidadela de Cascais
Formerly the residence of the governor of the citadel, it was refurbished for use as the summer residence of the Royal Family, who spent September there annually from 1870 until the assassination of King Dom Carlos in 1908. It was subsequently used as one of the official residences of Portuguese presidents, but over time fell into neglect. After extensive restoration, it was opened as a museum in 2011.
Guided Visits on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with a previous appointment.
Palácio Nacional de Sintra
The palace was built in the 14th century and served as a residence for the Portuguese royal family for many years. It is a mix of Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architectural styles, with intricate stonework, colourful tiles, and beautiful gardens. Inside, visitors can admire the lavish rooms decorated with stunning works of art, including intricate tilework, paintings, and tapestries. Some of the most famous rooms include the Heraldic Room, the Swan Room, the Magpie Room, and the Arab Room.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Palácio Nacional da Pena
Built over the remains of a 16th-century Hieronymite convent, it is a national monument and constitutes one of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in the World.
The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
Quinta Real de Caxias
It was the recreational farm of Queen D. Maria I. D. Luís used it as a residence for a few weeks before settling in the Palácio da Ajuda. The ponds, water features and geometric-shaped shrubs of these charming gardens were inspired by those of the Palace of Versailles.
Palácio da Bemposta
This palace was built during the late 17th century for Catarina de Bragança. Later on, it was used as a residence for members of the Portuguese royal family. During the 19th century, it was used as a military hospital and barracks, and later as a prison. Today, the palace is still used by the Portuguese army.
Not open to the public.
Palácio das Necessidades
The Necessidades Palace was originally built in the 18th century as a summer palace for the royal family. The palace is known for its ornate architecture, including its baroque façade and neoclassical interiors. Today, it houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is occasionally used for state events and official receptions.
No visiting schedule is available due to being a government building. It is possible to visit on some ‘open’ days and events.
Palácio do Ramalhão
This neoclassical Palace is at the entrance of Sintra. It was originally a small farm that was expanded into a palace by Luis Garcia de Bivar in 1470. This palace is where D. Carlota Joaquina of Spain frequently stayed after 1802, and where she was exiled after refusing to swear to the Constitution of 1822.
This building currently houses a private school, Colégio de São José.
Not open to public visits.
Happy Travelling!
Text by: Leonel Rodrigues, Desirable Portugal Tours
