Do you love decorative arts, neoclassical-style architecture, or history? Then, you will enjoy visiting the Ajuda National Palace or Palácio Nacional da Ajuda.
The royal palace in the Ajuda district, close to Belém, is worth visiting before visiting the other major tourist attractions.
The palace is a hidden gem with a long history, a stunning art collection, and lavish interiors.
History of Ajuda National Palace
The royal family first lived at the waterfront, now known as Praça do Comércio. The royal residence was destroyed during the 1755 earthquake.
The king then decided to build the new palace on a hill, which was safer. This is now the Ajuda National Palace.
Yet, in 1794, the first wooden palace was destroyed by fire. Shortly after the architects Francisco Xavier and Manuel Caetano began reconstruction, political unrest delayed it.
The royal family fled to Brazil in 1812, and construction resumed when they returned in 1820. By 1861, it became the official residence.
Yet, the Ajuda Palace is a fraction of what you see today compared to the original palace.
The vision was to create the largest European palace with gardens, but they never completed the project.
Visiting Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
When you visit Ajuda National Palace, you can access the palace and museum, which helps you plan your visit.
The Palácio Nacional da Ajuda you find in Largo da Ajuda, 1349-021 Lisboa, Portugal.
When visiting the exterior to the interior of the royal residence, you can expect it to take up to 2 hours.
Visiting Times
The place is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM and is closed on Wednesday, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 13 June, and Christmas Day.
Tickets Prices
You can visit the palace, Royal Treasure Museum and the garden but each one costs separately:
- Ajuda Palace: €8
- The Royal Treasure Museum: €10
- Garden: €2
Visiting the palace is free when you have the Lisboa Card or buy a combined ticket to visit the Coaches Museum and Ajuda Palace, costing €12.
What to Expect at Ajuda Palace
One thing is for sure: this neoclassical building houses impressive historical artifacts and exquisite artworks. Ajuda Palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has remarkable architecture.
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Palácio Nacional da Ajuda Architecture
From the exterior to the interior, the neoclassical building stands out for its geometric forms, windows, arches, columns, and décor.
You will enjoy the Throne Room, State Dining Room, Library, and the Paintings Gallery at the Secretary of State for Culture office.
You can still find official state ceremonies here, even if the royal family no longer lives here.
Interior and Royal Treasures
The interior of the Ajuda Palace is spectacular. After Luis l and Queen Maria Pia, an Italian princess of Savoia, moved into the palace, they decorated and furnished it with royalty.
Today, you can admire these decorations, from crystal chandeliers, silk wallpapers, and intricately carved furniture to expensive porcelain. Many precious items include:
- Paintings
- Sculptures
- Other Art Pieces
A standout is the Winter Garden, which was used to house exotic flowers, plants, and birds. There is a fountain, and you can still see some of the cages once occupied by birds.
Private apartments are on the ground floor, and the stateroom is on the second floor. The palace interior also has a toilet imported from England, a first of its kind.
Other highlights to look forward to are:
- The Audience Room with pieces dating back to the 15th to 20th centuries
- Banquet Room where the royal family hosted official dinners
- The King João IV Room is covered with paintings that include an artistic ceiling
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Royal Treasure Museum
The museum, part of the palace, opened in 2022. It displays the Crown Jewels and other pieces in the royal collection.
Over 1,000 pieces are spread over three levels, and the highlight is the second-biggest gold nugget, a dinner set by François-Thomas Germain, golden roses presented by Pope Gregory XVI in 1842, and a diamond-covered badge.
Attractions Nearby Ajuda Palace
While visiting the palace, you can see the Ajuda Botanical Garden, which is a few steps away.
Or head to the Coaches Museum down the hill that houses a collection of royal coaches.
From there, you can visit Belem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its monuments and museums.
Hot Tip🔥: The Ajuda district is close to Belem, and you can make it part of a self-guided tour. Check out my article on planning a walking tour for these two districts.
How to Get to Ajuda National Palace
You can take a train from Cais do Sodré to Belém to reach the place. The train departs every 20 minutes and takes around 7 minutes.
Then, walk up Calçada da Ajuda across the Coaches Museum, taking another 15 minutes to reach your destination.
Alternatively, you can take Tram 28 outside Cais do Sodré train station, which stops at the palace and takes 25 minutes to half an hour.
Or you can take bus 760, which stops in front of Ajuda National Palace and takes half an hour to leave at Praça da Figueira.
8 Tips For Visiting Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
- Arrive Early: Beat the crowds by arriving when the palace opens at 10 AM.
- Check for Events: Look for special exhibitions or concerts during your visit.
- Guided Tour: Consider a guided tour for detailed insights into the palace’s history.
- Explore the Rooms: Don’t miss the opulent Throne Room and Banquet Hall.
- Visit The Garden: Spend time in the palace gardens for stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Photography Rules: Flash photography is not allowed, so plan accordingly.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking through expansive rooms and staircases.
- Plan for 1–2 Hours: Allocate an hour to explore the palace fully.
Wrap-Up: Ajuda National Palace
A visit to the Ajuda National Palace, or Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, offers a fascinating journey through history, art, and architecture.
From its rich royal heritage and stunning interiors to the newly opened Royal Treasure Museum, the palace provides a captivating experience.
The combination of neoclassical grandeur and historical significance makes it a must-visit destination in Lisbon.
Whether exploring the opulent interiors, strolling through the beautiful gardens, or admiring the nearby attractions, a trip to Ajuda Palace promises an enriching and memorable experience.
