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The Queluz National Palace (Summer Residence of the former Royal Family) was built over an old hunting lodge from the Marquises of Castelo Rodrigo, with a lot of influences from the Versailles palace in France. But, what’s interesting is that it maintained a lot of Portuguese characteristics, like the small height and spread over a wide area, with a sinuous structure. It was finished in 1758, although some parts were added later.
Also, the decoration is rich but intimate creating a great effect, and the rooms are suited to themes bringing a lot of harmony to the building. The stile goes from the Baroque, Rococo and Neo-Classical. This is especially seen in the marvellous gardens surrounding the palace.
Robillion, a famous French architect, was responsible for part of the works especially of a pavilion, which kept his name.
Today, the palace is still used as the Portuguese State as a residence for foreign governments and Presidents coming in official visit, and also for other special occasions. Also the chapel is still used especially for marriages.
© José Elias * Copyright protected – Images cannot be used without proper authorization
| natalitsa | 31-Mar-2006 12:06 | |