The Ducal Palace in Vila Viçosa “is a monumental building, with construction that began in 1501. The pomp-loving Dukes of Bragança chose Vila Viçosa as their place of residence at Ducal Palace, a sumptuous palace that held more azulejo tiles, frescoes, porcelain, oriental carpets, tapestries, marble and ironwork, than any other royal household in Portugal. The creamy Alentejo marble facade is 360’ long with three rows of twenty three windows each.
The Ducal Palace was one of many royal residences scattered throughout the Portuguese kingdom. It was used sporadically and as a weekend home, with a staff of 500. With the establishment of the Republic in 1910, the Ducal Palace closed its doors. It was reopened in the 1940’s, reflecting the wish of the last monarch of Portugal, King Manuel II, several years after his death. The original furnishings remain in the Ducal Palace.”
We toured the Ducal Palace this morning and were impressed by its furnishings, gardens, and the sheer size of the building itself. It was stunning!
The Ducal Palace was one of many royal residences scattered throughout the Portuguese kingdom. It was used sporadically and as a weekend home, with a staff of 500. With the establishment of the Republic in 1910, the Ducal Palace closed its doors. It was reopened in the 1940’s, reflecting the wish of the last monarch of Portugal, King Manuel II, several years after his death. The original furnishings remain in the Ducal Palace.”
We toured the Ducal Palace this morning and were impressed by its furnishings, gardens, and the sheer size of the building itself. It was stunning!
