The Lyceum’s most recent activity, on 18 February, was a visit to the Ajuda Palace. Although already familiar to the whole group, it presents a collection that is a pleasure to revisit. It is the only royal palace that remains as authentic as when it was inhabited by the royal family. It was only in 1910, with the establishment of the Republic, that it ceased to be inhabited.
It is a building located on a high point in the city, with a wide view of the Tagus, and dates from the end of the 18th century.
It preserves its magnificent collections, just like the royal chambers. Architect Eduardo Alves, a museum scholar, gave us a very detailed account of the palace’s collections. The palace offers a wide and rich variety, from the earthenware and porcelain that Queen Maria Pia loved, to statuary, paintings and decorative objects in general, from all over Europe, but above all from Italy, where Murano stands out.
The Queen’s bedroom itself reflects the taste of the time. From the throne room, to the despatch room, or the music room, they are all marked by the sumptuousness of a place to be inhabited by kings and queens.
Nowadays, when it comes to the Portuguese state receiving heads of state or other great personalities, the dining room is used. And what other place but here to revisit that aura of opulence?
And since we love beauty, we’ll certainly be back.