
National Palace of Ajuda
ISBN: 978 1 85759 393 8
Size: 228 x 152 mm / 6 x 9 in.
Binding: Paperback
Pages: 56
In association with: Ajuda National Palace
Date published: October, 2011
UK £4.95 /US $9.95
Highlights
- Features stunning photographs of the palace’s beautiful collections
- Examines the buildings fascinating story and architectural history
Description
The construction of the Royal Palace of Our Lady of Ajuda was commissioned by King Jose I (1714–77) following the destruction of the magnificent Riberia Palace in the earthquake that demolished much of Lisbon in 1755. When fire destroyed the building in 1794, the task of designing a new palace fell to Manuel Caetano de Sousa (1742–1802), who planned it along Baroque architectural lines. It was the official residence of the Portuguese monarchy from the mid-19th century but was closed after the proclamation of the Republic in 1910. It re-opened to the public in 1968 as a museum, housing a spectacular display of decorative arts, silverware and jewellery from the 15th to the 20th centuries.