The Palacio Nacional da Ajuda, or the National Palace of Ajuda, is an essential fixture in Portuguese history.

If you are considering traveling to Lisbon, check out the Belém District. One of the most popular things to visit in this district is the Belém Tower. However, there are a few other things you can do in Portugal.  One such place nearby is Sintra, but we are here to talk about the National Palace of Ajuda.

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What is the Palacio National da Ajuda?

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In the second half of the 19th century, Portugal’s official royal house was the Ajuda National Palace. It presents authentic interiors and influential art collections.

In the first half of the 19th century, the Ajuda National Palace was a neoclassical building. It became a royal residence on King Luís I’s accession to the throne and remained as such until the end of the Monarchy (1910). 

It still holds its decorative artworks in place in a lively and truthful to its origins display.

The private apartments can be found on the ground floor, from the Music Room onwards, while State Rooms occupy the upper floor. As a museum, it gathers crucial decorative art collections from the 18th and 19th centuries: gold and silver works, textiles, furniture, and ceramics, as well as paintings, sculptures, and photographs.

The most critical State ceremonies held by the President of the Republic still occur here.

How to Get to the Palace of Ajuda?

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It would be best to take the train from Cais do Sodré to Belém it departs every 20 minutes. However, when you get here, you must take a 7-minute walk to reach Belém. Then you can walk to Calçada da Ajuda, across from the Coaches Museum. It takes about 15 minutes to walk up the long, sloping street lined with Jacaranda Trees to the palace.

Location

Largo da Ajuda, 1349-021 

Lisboa, Portuga

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Palacio Nacional da Ajuda Hours

Closed on: Wednesdays, 1st of January, 1st of May, Christmas Day, and Easter Sunday.

Thursday – Tuesday opening hours: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

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