The Palácio Nacional de Queluz brings together Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles with gardens where architecture, water and tilework each tell their own stories. Portuguese equestrian art is also closely associated with Queluz, although regular public demonstrations take place in Lisbon. These distinctions can help you choose the cultural highlights of your stay.

Gardens with tile panels and Rococo forms

The botanical garden of the Palácio Nacional de Queluz was laid out between 1769 and 1780. Pineapples were grown there during the reign of D. Pedro III. A striking feature of the gardens is the Canal dos Azulejos: it runs through them from north to south, is 115 metres long and is fed by the Ribeira do Jamor. Its tile panels depict seaports and varied landscapes based on engravings. The canal is one of the early examples of polychrome tilework in the Rococo style.

The Cascata Grande also reflects the connection between art and nature that characterises the Rococo style. Fountains and ornamental ponds featuring mythological figures complement the garden design. Visitors particularly interested in architecture and ornamental details will find a subject in its own right here, alongside the palace’s architectural forms: the design of waterways, tile panels and gardens.

The chapel, collections and events at the palace

The chapel is one of the oldest rooms in the palace. It was completed in 1752 to a design by Mateus Vicente de Oliveira. The main altarpiece depicts Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the patron saint of Queluz, and is by André Gonçalves. Access to the Palácio Nacional e Jardins de Queluz currently includes a visit to the chapel. Check the latest access information before your visit.

The palace houses a museum of decorative arts. Most of its collections once belonged to the royal family. The Casa da Ópera in Queluz dates from 1778. Concerts and official events are still held in the Sala do Trono; check the official events calendar for specific dates. This helps distinguish the architectural history that can be seen at any time from events that may be currently scheduled.

Equestrian art: Queluz and the performance venue in Lisbon

The Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre is based in the gardens of the Palácio Nacional de Queluz and keeps some of its horses in the gardens of the Palácio de Queluz. It is considered part of Portugal’s national heritage and follows the example of the Picaria Real, the Portuguese court’s riding academy in the 18th and early 19th centuries.

The performance venue is important when planning your visit: the Escola’s regular public demonstrations take place at the Picadeiro Henrique Calado on Calçada da Ajuda in Lisbon, not in Queluz. Check the programme and venue against the official information before travelling. In Queluz itself, the Biblioteca de Arte Equestre D. Diogo de Bragança, VIII Marquês de Marialva, is devoted exclusively to equestrian art; it is the only national library specialising in this field. Visitors can consult around 2,000 publications on equestrian art, as well as prints, paintings and objects.

Historic buildings and accommodation

The Torre do Relógio was built during one of the final construction phases of the Palácio de Queluz, in the reign of D. Maria I. Since 1995, its building has housed the Pousada D. Maria I, part of the Pousadas de Portugal network. Check its current accommodation status before booking.

The Palacete Pombal, also known as the Palacete dos Condes de Almeida Araújo, is classified as a National Monument. The Neoclassical building was commissioned by the second Marquis of Pombal, D. Henrique José de Carvalho e Melo, to accommodate the royal family, who had settled at the palace in Queluz after the Real Barraca da Ajuda burned down. For a different view of Queluz, visit the riverside area of Parque Urbano Felício Loureiro, where a sculpture by José Pedro Croft, made of bush-hammered limestone, is located.

Getting there and cultural routes

The Palácio Nacional e Jardins de Queluz is accessible by CP on the Linha de Sintra. Queluz-Belas and Monte Abraão stations are each about one kilometre from the palace. Before travelling, check the route, stops and approximate distance.

Two sections of the cycling and walking network near the CREL and Cidade Desportiva in Queluz were completed on 14 October 2019. Check current route conditions locally. Sintra City Council’s cultural programme also includes the Roteiro Patrimonial de Queluz. The city council’s cultural routes can be visited independently or on a guided tour on weekdays; guided groups must have at least ten people and book in advance. Confirm the booking arrangements before planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Belas, Rio De Mouro, Colares, São João Das Lampas, Algueirão, Mira-Sintra, Sintra, Agualva.

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