Palace of Ajuda
Lisbon, Portugal
Palace of Ajuda
The Palace of Ajuda (Portuguese: Palácio da Ajuda, Portuguese pronunciation: [ɐˈʒudɐ]) is a neoclassical monument in the civil parish of Ajuda in the city of Lisbon, central Portugal. Built on the site of a temporary wooden building constructed to house the Royal family after the 1755 earthquake and tsunami, it was originally begun by architect Manuel Caetano de Sousa, who planned a late Baroque-Rococo building. Later, it was entrusted to José da Costa e Silva and Francisco Xavier Fabri, who planned a magnificent building in the modern neoclassical style.
Over time, the project underwent several periods when the construction was stopped or slowed due to financial constraints or political conflicts. When the Royal Family had to flee to Brazil (in 1807), following the invasion of Portugal by French troops, the work proceeded very slowly with Fabri taking charge of the project, later followed by António Francisco Rosa. Lack of financial resources would also result in the scaling down of the project. The construction of the Ajuda Palace, which began in 1796 and lasted until the late 19th century, was a project plagued by various political, economic and artistic/architectural problems. It was invaded by Napoleon's troops in 1807, and discontinued by Liberal forces who imposed a constitutional monarchy that reduced the power of the royal family. Artistically, it was a convergence of the Baroque styles from Mafra, very connected to regal authority, with the birth of the Neoclassic style from Italy. Further interruptions occurred, due to a lack of funds, political sanctions or disconnection between the workers and the authorities responsible for the project. The project was modified several times, but was generally authored by Manuel Caetano de Sousa (the last Baroque architect) and, later, Costa e Silva and Fabri, both of them Bolognese architects whose tastes crossed the architectural spectrum, but in which Neoclassicism predominated.
Accommodations near Palace of Ajuda
Apartments Alfacinha Ajuda
see price.
Nearby Tours & Activities
Opening times
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Guests' reviews
Nice place. Looks like every average palace in entire Europe. Good price for entering with student’s discount. Walk around took about 50minutes and was quite interesting. Too bad there was nothing which would make this place extraordinary. Staff was very nice and polite. However, entering to the palace is not marked anywhere so you have to “sneak” inside looking for the ticket office and entrance to museum itself.
It could be better taken care of, but it is still nice to see how the royal family lived. Too opulent, for my taste though.
A great historical landmark made even better by a superb visiting exhibition by Joan Miro. Not far away from Belem so do yourself a favour.
Old palace that is not completely renovated yet. It is not very popular with the hordes of tourists so feels extra spacious. Also due to lack of a tourist horde like in other palaces, they allow photos and more access to the rooms.
Portuguese history at its best. Visit this museum and you will not be sorry. Artifacts from several Portuguese kings and queens, exhibitions present the visitor with things from ordinary day life to special events. Items from bedroom furniture, including the royal toilette, to hunting pavilion.
Truly spectacular. An exceptionally well done museum, keeping things as close as possible to how they were under King Luis in the late 1800s. Very beautiful. There is a "guide page" for every room explaining what it was used for and even quoting "memories" from primary sources, which I found very interesting. Try to enter each room and take in your surroundings first of all. Try to think about what it was used for and what people thought of it. Then read the guide page. Undisturbed by tour groups when I went. Please don't come in a big tour group because you'll get in the way and ruin the experience for everyone else.
We loved this place. Cheap entrance (kids free, adults 5 per head or so). Really interesting place to see. Surprisingly, no visitors, we have seen probably 10 other visitors. And there is a botanical garden around the corner (2 eur per head, family discounts etc.) So, although the palace is not on the main tourist route it is definitely worth to visit.
Impressive national palace. Fans of royalty and all related stuff should visit this palace, where the Portuguese royal family lived in the 19th century. There are plenty of rooms with lots of different decorations that will give you a taste of the life in that era. It's easy to park nearby in case you go by car.
I had the place to myself, no hordes! So it was special because I could travel in time at leisure. I even meditated peacefully in the little chapel undisturbed. If you've seen other great Royalty castles in Europe e.g. Versailles , this is a bit more modest. What makes it special is the solitude....
Walking through history, surrounded by fine furniture and paintings. Unmissable of you love history and art. The game dining room is really beautiful.
Wonderful palace with very few visitors. Makes for a very relaxing stroll. Much better than the vast majority of better known palaces/museums.
An experience that remains with you long after it's over. It's a former Palace used by the Portuguese royal family as living quarters, as well as for diplomatic and work affairs. The Palace is organized in a way that reflects this flexibility according to the XIX century's standards -- ample, great rooms whose location is carefully divided between the ones that serve the various work activities of the Royal family and the living quarters, along with leisure activities. Its arquitecture and art differ from room to room, incorporating elements from different cultures/eras (such as an interior neo-medieval church, or an interior winter garden with Arab leanings; or even the 'Chinese room', which, coincidentally, has more Japanese furniture than Chinese). All in all, a great experience. The library can also be visited during the week.
