Palácio de Queluz

The unmissable Palácio Nacional de Queluz, built as a summer retreat for Dom Pedro of Braganza and his bride and niece Queen Maria I, was perhaps the last truly great Rococo building to be designed in Europe. In 1786, when Maria was finally certified insane and King Pedro died, the vast Versaillesque palace became the official residence of the Portuguese King João VI and this is where he and his family resided until the royal family fled to Brazil in 1807 in the aftermath of the French invasion of Portugal.

Over the years the palace fell into disrepair and was eventually handed over to the State in 1908, only to be burned down a quarter of a century later. The meticulous restoration project that followed returned it to its former glory, establishing it as a major tourist attraction and temporary residence for visiting diplomats, dignitaries and heads of state.

Check out the cavernous music hall and the stunning throne room designed by Jean Baptiste Robillon in 1757, which contains a fresco painted by Francisco de Melo showing the Portuguese royal family enjoying a classical concert. The “King's Bedroom” has a domed ceiling supported with intricate columns of mirrored glass, depicting scenes from Don Quixote. This summer palace also boasts some beautiful formal gardens constructed to provide entertainment to friends of the royal family, complete with concerts, jousting tournaments and firework displays.

Largo do Palácio, Queluz. Open 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Tuesdays.