Belém Palace
Encyclopedia
The Belém National Palace, or alternately National Palace of Belém, has, overtime, been the official residence of Portuguese
monarchs and, after the installation of the First Republic, the Presidents of the Portuguese Republic
. Located in the civil parish of Santa Maria de Belém
, the palace is located on a small hill that fronts the Praça Afonso de Albuquerque
, near the historical centre of Belém and the Monastery of the Jeronimos
, close to the waterfront of the Tagus River. The five buildings that makeup the main façade of the Palace date back to the second half of the 17th century, and were built at a time when, more and more, the monarchy and nobility were escaping the urbanized confines of Lisbon.
The site originated from the Outeiro das Vinhas, a property that fronted the beach of the Tagus River. It was King Manuel I of Portugal
, the Renaissance gentleman scholar, who acquired the land, which he named Quinta de Belém in 1559, constructing a building with three salons and two atriums. By the mid-seventeenth century the property was linked to a scion
of the Royal Court, consequently transferred to the possession of the Counts of Aveiras and occupied by a convent.
The land was later acquired by King John V, who ordered its re-construction in 1726. It encompassed two parcels, the Quinta de Baixo and Quinta do Meio, which the monarch purchased from João da Silva Telo, 3rd Count of Aveiros the space for 200,000cruzados, in addition to the contiguous farmlands of the Counts of São Lourenço with the objective of constructing a summer home. Although it is unclear when the first building was completed, it was likely to have occurred shortly after its original construction start, since by 1754 Queen Maria Anna of Austria
had already died in the residence.
During the aftermath of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake
, it was determined that there was superficial damage and no fear of collapse, but there were a number of repairs completed between 1755 and 1756. Under the architect João Pedro Ludovice, the Casa Real de Campo de Belém or Palácio das Leoneiras(Royal House of Belém Field or Palace of the Leoneiras, respectively) was cleaned-up: the tile work replaced and the greenhouses and stables were repaired. Similarly, around 1770 reconstruction of the total estate was made under the direction of architect Mateus Vicente de Oliveira. This was the beginning of several small projects within the residence, that included: the painting of the Sala das Bicas; the replacement of azulejo
along the southern veranda (1778); construction of the birdhouses (1780); and the beginning of the construction of the Neoclassical
horse training space (today in the space occupied by the National Coach Museum
) by Italian Giacomo Azzolini (1828).
After 1807, with the departure of the Royal Family for Brazil, the furniture and artwork are removed from the palace, and the building is abandoned until the end of the Liberal Wars
.
By 1839, the palace was once again being used to hold Royal balls, and served as the temporary residence for visiting royal dignitaries. In 1840, during the extensive renovations being completed in the Palace of Necessidades
, the Royal Family returned to Belém. The family resided in the Palace during the decade; the Infanta Antónia
was even born in the palace (1845), and it was the centre of the Belenzada. By 1850, new renovations of the grande ballroom were completed, that permitted Queen Maria II to receive Portuguese society, and by 1860, the Infanta Antónia married Prince Leopold, Prince of Hohenzollern in the same space. In November 1861, the Infante Augusto died, followed closely (on Christmas) by the Infante João. A succession of deaths forced the Royal Family to abandon the Palace, once again becoming a residence for visiting dignitaries. This change was also superseeded by small repairs to the building, which included new lighting and the canalization of gas.
In 1886, new public works were completed under the orders of King Carlos, under the direction of architect Rafael de Silva Castro and decorated by Leandro Braga, Columbano and João Vaz, to be the residence after his marriage with Princess Amélie of Orléans. The two Princes, the Prince Royal Luís Filipein 1887 and Manuel
in 1889.
By the end of the century, the Palace of the Cortes was remodelled by Ventura Terra.
Between 1902 and 1903, the remodelling of the interior spaces under Rosendo Carvalheira was undertaken, with the additional construction of a visitors house on the north walk of the Pátio das Damas, to receive the delegations of visiting guests. This addition was inaugurated on the visit of the King of Spain, Alfonso XIII
on his state visit to Portugal at the end of 1903. The following year the training stables are separated from the Palace, and destined to shelter the National Coach Museum
.
By royal decree, and published in the Diário do Governo (4 September), the Palace ceases to operate as a Royal Residence, and passed onto the Treasury, for the "accommodation of heads of state, princes and foreign missions that come on an official visit to Lisbon, leaving for that purpose by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs".
, on 24 August 1911, the Secretaria-Geral da Presidência da República (Secretary-General of the Presidency) moves into the Palace, since article 45 of the Constitution prohibited the Chief of State from occupying a residence in properties held by the State. A loophole in the document, permitted the 28 June 1912 Government authorization to rent an annex alongside the Palace, for 100,000 réis
monthly to house the first President Manuel de Arriaga
, who eventually preferred to live in his local residence and work at the palace. This policy of renting the space continued throughout the period of the First Republic.
After the assassination of President Sidónio Pais
in the Rossio Train Station, the ex-President's body lay in state in the Sala Luís XV (Luís XV Hall), until its burial.
On 24 March 1928, the official residency statute for the President of the Republic was defined. The law, specified that the President and his family would be permitted to reside in one of the national palaces. At the time of the promulgation General Óscar Carmona
decided to reside in the Citadel of Cascais, leaving the Palace of Belém for ceremonial affairs, official meetings, receptions and other formal occasions. On the occasion of the projected visit of the King of Spain, the Palace underwent several renovations, although in the end the monarch did not appear.
In 1936, the main staircase was expanded by António Lino and concluded by Cristino da Silva.
During the term of General Francisco Craveiro Lopes
(1951-1952) the Arrábida wing was remodelled to serve as the residence of the President of the Republic.
In 1967, the property was finally classified as a IIP - Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest), by decree 47-508, published in the Diário do Governo on 24 January 1967.
As a result of the 1969 earthquake, the Palace underwent repairs.
After the Carnation Revolution
, the palace was transformed into the headquarters of power and centre of decision-making and political meetings of the Junta de Salvação Nacional (National Salvation Junta
). It also experienced the traumas of the new democracy with the counter-revolutionary attempts by António Spínola and Francisco da Costa Gomes
. As in the previous administrations, Belém underwent new renovations in the Arrábida wing in order to accommodate the demands of the President and his family. But, while some Presidents resided in Belém, others (such as Mário Soares
and Jorge Sampaio) used it merely as a workplace, living in their private residences during their terms.
Between 1980 and 1985, the main dining hall was used to exhibit the gifts received by the Chief of State.
In 1998, the construction of the Centro de Documentação e Informação (Documentation and Information Centre), was begun by architect João Luís Carrilho da Graça, winner of a public competition promoted by the Secretary-General of the Presidency.
President Jorge Sampaio commissioned painter Paula Rego
to paint a series of paintings to decorate the walls of the Palace chapel in 2002. The painter eventually gifted her works entitled "Ciclo da Vida da Virgem Maria e da Paixão de Jesus Cristo" (Cycle of Life of the Virgin Mary and the Passion of Jesus Christ". The early exhibitions and Presidential iniatives would lead to the inauguaration of the 5 October 2004 Presidential Museum . Similarly, the King D. Luís I Painting Gallery was the setting for the exposition "Do Palácio de Belém" (2005) that presented the history, architecture and artistic works that have occupied the spaces of the palace.
On 10 March 2006, a Ministry of Cultura dispatch reclassified the Palace into a National Monument, to include the Palace, gardens, Museum of the Presidency and other annexes.
. With this southern façade, it fronts the Rua de Belém, across from the Praça Afonso de Albuquerque
(the old Praça D. Fernando II), while the eastern façade fronts the Calçada da Ajuda separated by the Patio das Damas (in front of the Luís de Camões Theatre), alongside the Coach Museum . The remainder of the eastern and northern limits of the Palace follow the Calçada da Ajuda and includes the barracks of the 2nd Regimental Lancers, while the western limits fronts the Colonial Tropical Gardens . Access to the Palace is made from Rua de Belém at the main gate and ramp (guarded by military sentries), that ends at the lateral façade, called the Pátio dos Bichos (Animals' Patio). Flanking the southern entrance are buildings for the post office and 26th Squadron of the Polícia de Segurança Pública - PSP
(police).
and Baroque
styles, has a central body with floor level arcades, over a collonade gallery surmounted by a triangular pediment decorated in stucco.
The two outside blocks are farther in front then the main building, forming a terrace delimited by baluster
s and accessible by lateral staircases. The top of these lateral walls are topped by twelve panels of monochromatic azulejo
tile. On the veranda are 14 azulejo panels representing figures from mythology, with many showing the "Labours of Hercules", including "Plutão e Cérbero" (Pluto
and Cerberus
), "Vénus" (Venus
), "Neptuno" (Neptune
), "Hércules" (Hercules
), "Hércules e a égua de Diómedes" (Hercules and the Mares of Diomedes
), "Figura masculina" (Masculine figure), "Figura masculina com arco e flechas" (Masculine figure with bow and arrow), two panels of "Figura feminina" (Female figure), "Hércules e a ave de Estinfália" (Hercules and the Stymphalian birds
), "Figura masculina com machado" (Masculine figure with hoe), "Hércules e a serpente de Ládon" (Hercules and the serpent Ladon
), "Hércules e o touro de Creta" (Hercules and the Cretan Bull
), "Hércules e a Hidra de Lerna" (Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra
). In addition, two rows of tiles with geometric patterns and acanthus
leaves.
The eastern façade, which fronts the Pátio das Damas (Lady's Patio), is animated by two levels of windows and portal. The western wing is served from the Pátio dos Bichos (Animals' Patio), where a gated entrance and ramp provides access to the principal staircase via an elevated space that overlooks the Jardim da Cascata (Falls Garden). The space was resurfaced and re-paved with stone at the beginning of the 21st century.
Immediately in front of the palace (fronting the Rua de Belém) are the formal gardens. Of a 18th century design, they consist of a terrace enclosed by a balustrade adorned with statues and interecting pattern of hedges around three circular ponds. In the Jardim da Cascata (in the northwest corner of the grounds) there are three pavillions (greenhouses) of capstone topped by a decorative railing, with vases and statues. Inserted within a rounded-arch is a falls, adorned by a statue of Hercules.
In the central pavilion are six azulejo panels forming a figuarative composition, completed in the 19th century. The central composition is in black and white, while the trim is polychromatic: yellow, green and manganese plant ornamentation. These panels include: an "Outdoor Scene", "Two female figures and a male figure in the park, with fruit basket", "Standing female figure gives an apple to a male figure", a "Backgammon game", "Music in the Garden" and "Music in the Garden, with harpsichord and violin".
and 18th century polychromatic azulejo ashlar
s, completed in the last quarter of that century. In the space one can observed two round, marble fountains along one wall, with the heads of lions, which gave the space its names. In addition, the space is surrounded by eight jasper busts on plinths, representing Roman emporers.
In the Sala Dourada or Salão de Baile (Golden Room or Ballroom, respectively) the ceiling is pannelled with a central allegory of the Roman Empire, with murals and crown moulding medallions in a neo-Pompeian motif.
The Sala Luís XV (Louis XVth Room), also pannelled, is highlighted by a series of paintings surmounted two shields of the House of Braganza
and Orléans
.
The rectangular chapel, with smooth walls and wood paneling Capela, is occupied by a Neoclassical
retable
in gold-leaf wood, with a painting by André Reinoso representing the "A Adoração dos Pastores" (The Adoration of the Shepards). The vaulted ceiling is decorated with a profusion of decorative motifs in a "ferronneire" similar to those found in the Sala Dourada. On the walls are paintings over pastel by the artist Paula Rego
(1935), representing the "Ciclo da Vida da Virgem Maria e da Paixão de Jesus Cristo" (Circle of Life of the Virgin Mary and the Passion of Christ).
In addition, there are other rooms of interest, such as the Sala das Sessões of the Câmara dos Deputados and the Sala dos Passos Perdidos (or Salão Nobre), among others.
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
monarchs and, after the installation of the First Republic, the Presidents of the Portuguese Republic
President of Portugal
Portugal has been a republic since 1910, and since that time the head of state has been the president, whose official title is President of the Portuguese Republic ....
. Located in the civil parish of Santa Maria de Belém
Santa Maria de Belém
Santa Maria de Belém, or just Belém , whose name is derived from the Portuguese word for Bethlehem, is a civil parish of the municipality of Lisbon, in central Portugal...
, the palace is located on a small hill that fronts the Praça Afonso de Albuquerque
Afonso de Albuquerque Square
Afonso de Albuquerque Square is a public square in the Belém district of the city of Lisbon, Portugal.The square is located in front of Belém Palace, a 17th-18th century palace that nowadays serves as residence for the President of Portugal. The square is named after the first conqueror of India,...
, near the historical centre of Belém and the Monastery of the Jeronimos
Jerónimos Monastery
The Hieronymites Monastery is located near the shore of the parish of Belém, in the municipality of Lisbon, Portugal...
, close to the waterfront of the Tagus River. The five buildings that makeup the main façade of the Palace date back to the second half of the 17th century, and were built at a time when, more and more, the monarchy and nobility were escaping the urbanized confines of Lisbon.
History
Manuel I of Portugal
Manuel I , the Fortunate , 14th king of Portugal and the Algarves was the son of Infante Ferdinand, Duke of Viseu, , by his wife, Infanta Beatrice of Portugal...
, the Renaissance gentleman scholar, who acquired the land, which he named Quinta de Belém in 1559, constructing a building with three salons and two atriums. By the mid-seventeenth century the property was linked to a scion
Scion
Scion may refer to:*In kinship, a descendant , a son or daughter*Scion , a detached shoot or twig containing buds from a woody plant which is grafted onto the stock...
of the Royal Court, consequently transferred to the possession of the Counts of Aveiras and occupied by a convent.
The land was later acquired by King John V, who ordered its re-construction in 1726. It encompassed two parcels, the Quinta de Baixo and Quinta do Meio, which the monarch purchased from João da Silva Telo, 3rd Count of Aveiros the space for 200,000cruzados, in addition to the contiguous farmlands of the Counts of São Lourenço with the objective of constructing a summer home. Although it is unclear when the first building was completed, it was likely to have occurred shortly after its original construction start, since by 1754 Queen Maria Anna of Austria
Maria Anna of Austria
Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria , was Electress of Bavaria as the spouse of Maximilian I, Elector of Bavaria. She also served as Regent of Bavaria during the minority of her son...
had already died in the residence.
During the aftermath of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake
1755 Lisbon earthquake
The 1755 Lisbon earthquake, also known as the Great Lisbon Earthquake, was a megathrust earthquake that took place on Saturday 1 November 1755, at around 9:40 in the morning. The earthquake was followed by fires and a tsunami, which almost totally destroyed Lisbon in the Kingdom of Portugal, and...
, it was determined that there was superficial damage and no fear of collapse, but there were a number of repairs completed between 1755 and 1756. Under the architect João Pedro Ludovice, the Casa Real de Campo de Belém or Palácio das Leoneiras(Royal House of Belém Field or Palace of the Leoneiras, respectively) was cleaned-up: the tile work replaced and the greenhouses and stables were repaired. Similarly, around 1770 reconstruction of the total estate was made under the direction of architect Mateus Vicente de Oliveira. This was the beginning of several small projects within the residence, that included: the painting of the Sala das Bicas; the replacement of azulejo
Azulejo
Azulejo from the Arabic word Zellige زليج is a form of Portuguese or Spanish painted, tin-glazed, ceramic tilework. They have become a typical aspect of Portuguese culture, having been produced without interruption for five centuries...
along the southern veranda (1778); construction of the birdhouses (1780); and the beginning of the construction of the Neoclassical
Neoclassical architecture
Neoclassical architecture was an architectural style produced by the neoclassical movement that began in the mid-18th century, manifested both in its details as a reaction against the Rococo style of naturalistic ornament, and in its architectural formulas as an outgrowth of some classicizing...
horse training space (today in the space occupied by the National Coach Museum
National Coach Museum
The National Coach Museum is located in the Belém district of Lisbon, in Portugal. The museum has one of the finest collections of historical carriages in the world, being one of the most visited museums of the city....
) by Italian Giacomo Azzolini (1828).
After 1807, with the departure of the Royal Family for Brazil, the furniture and artwork are removed from the palace, and the building is abandoned until the end of the Liberal Wars
Liberal Wars
The Liberal Wars, also known as the Portuguese Civil War, the War of the Two Brothers, or Miguelite War, was a war between progressive constitutionalists and authoritarian absolutists in Portugal over royal succession that lasted from 1828 to 1834...
.
By 1839, the palace was once again being used to hold Royal balls, and served as the temporary residence for visiting royal dignitaries. In 1840, during the extensive renovations being completed in the Palace of Necessidades
Palace of Necessidades
The Palace of Necessidades is a historical building in the Largo do Rilvas, a public square in Lisbon, Portugal...
, the Royal Family returned to Belém. The family resided in the Palace during the decade; the Infanta Antónia
Infanta Antónia of Portugal
Infanta Antónia of Portugal , was a Portuguese infanta of the House of Braganza-Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, daughter of Queen Maria II of Portugal and her King...
was even born in the palace (1845), and it was the centre of the Belenzada. By 1850, new renovations of the grande ballroom were completed, that permitted Queen Maria II to receive Portuguese society, and by 1860, the Infanta Antónia married Prince Leopold, Prince of Hohenzollern in the same space. In November 1861, the Infante Augusto died, followed closely (on Christmas) by the Infante João. A succession of deaths forced the Royal Family to abandon the Palace, once again becoming a residence for visiting dignitaries. This change was also superseeded by small repairs to the building, which included new lighting and the canalization of gas.
In 1886, new public works were completed under the orders of King Carlos, under the direction of architect Rafael de Silva Castro and decorated by Leandro Braga, Columbano and João Vaz, to be the residence after his marriage with Princess Amélie of Orléans. The two Princes, the Prince Royal Luís Filipein 1887 and Manuel
Manuel II of Portugal
Manuel II , named Manuel Maria Filipe Carlos Amélio Luís Miguel Rafael Gabriel Gonzaga Francisco de Assis Eugénio de Bragança Orleães Sabóia e Saxe-Coburgo-Gotha — , was the last King of Portugal from 1908 to 1910, ascending the throne after the assassination of his father and elder brother Manuel...
in 1889.
By the end of the century, the Palace of the Cortes was remodelled by Ventura Terra.
Between 1902 and 1903, the remodelling of the interior spaces under Rosendo Carvalheira was undertaken, with the additional construction of a visitors house on the north walk of the Pátio das Damas, to receive the delegations of visiting guests. This addition was inaugurated on the visit of the King of Spain, Alfonso XIII
Alfonso XIII of Spain
Alfonso XIII was King of Spain from 1886 until 1931. His mother, Maria Christina of Austria, was appointed regent during his minority...
on his state visit to Portugal at the end of 1903. The following year the training stables are separated from the Palace, and destined to shelter the National Coach Museum
National Coach Museum
The National Coach Museum is located in the Belém district of Lisbon, in Portugal. The museum has one of the finest collections of historical carriages in the world, being one of the most visited museums of the city....
.
By royal decree, and published in the Diário do Governo (4 September), the Palace ceases to operate as a Royal Residence, and passed onto the Treasury, for the "accommodation of heads of state, princes and foreign missions that come on an official visit to Lisbon, leaving for that purpose by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs".
Republic
Following the 5 October 1910 Revolution5 October 1910 revolution
The revolution of 1910 was a republican coup d'état that occurred in Portugal on 5 October 1910, which deposed King Manuel II and established the Portuguese First Republic....
, on 24 August 1911, the Secretaria-Geral da Presidência da República (Secretary-General of the Presidency) moves into the Palace, since article 45 of the Constitution prohibited the Chief of State from occupying a residence in properties held by the State. A loophole in the document, permitted the 28 June 1912 Government authorization to rent an annex alongside the Palace, for 100,000 réis
Portuguese real
The real was the unit of currency of Portugal from around 1430 until 1911. It replaced the dinheiro at the rate of 1 real = 840 dinheiros and was itself replaced by the escudo at a rate of 1 escudo = 1000 réis...
monthly to house the first President Manuel de Arriaga
Manuel de Arriaga
Manuel José de Arriaga Brum da Silveira e Peyrelongue was a Portuguese lawyer, the first Attorney-General and the first elected President of the First Portuguese Republic, following the abdication of King Manuel II of Portugal and a Republican Provisional Government headed by Teófilo Braga Manuel...
, who eventually preferred to live in his local residence and work at the palace. This policy of renting the space continued throughout the period of the First Republic.
After the assassination of President Sidónio Pais
Sidónio Pais
Sidónio Bernardino Cardoso da Silva Pais was a Portuguese politician and diplomat, the fourth President in 1918. He was known as the President-King.-Family:...
in the Rossio Train Station, the ex-President's body lay in state in the Sala Luís XV (Luís XV Hall), until its burial.
On 24 March 1928, the official residency statute for the President of the Republic was defined. The law, specified that the President and his family would be permitted to reside in one of the national palaces. At the time of the promulgation General Óscar Carmona
Óscar Carmona
António Óscar Fragoso Carmona, ComC, GCA, ComSE, was the 11th President of Portugal , having been Minister of War in 1923.-Political Origin:...
decided to reside in the Citadel of Cascais, leaving the Palace of Belém for ceremonial affairs, official meetings, receptions and other formal occasions. On the occasion of the projected visit of the King of Spain, the Palace underwent several renovations, although in the end the monarch did not appear.
In 1936, the main staircase was expanded by António Lino and concluded by Cristino da Silva.
During the term of General Francisco Craveiro Lopes
Francisco Craveiro Lopes
Francisco Higino Craveiro Lopes da Silva de Tovero , 6th Viscount de Molenos-Craveiro, GCTE, ComC, GCA, , was a Portuguese politician and military man...
(1951-1952) the Arrábida wing was remodelled to serve as the residence of the President of the Republic.
In 1967, the property was finally classified as a IIP - Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest), by decree 47-508, published in the Diário do Governo on 24 January 1967.
As a result of the 1969 earthquake, the Palace underwent repairs.
After the Carnation Revolution
Carnation Revolution
The Carnation Revolution , also referred to as the 25 de Abril , was a military coup started on 25 April 1974, in Lisbon, Portugal, coupled with an unanticipated and extensive campaign of civil resistance...
, the palace was transformed into the headquarters of power and centre of decision-making and political meetings of the Junta de Salvação Nacional (National Salvation Junta
National Salvation Junta
The National Salvation Junta was a group of military officers designated to maintain the government of Portugal in April 1974, after the Carnation Revolution had overthrown the Estado Novo dictatorial regime. This junta functioned between 1974 and 1976, following a communiqué of its president,...
). It also experienced the traumas of the new democracy with the counter-revolutionary attempts by António Spínola and Francisco da Costa Gomes
Francisco da Costa Gomes
Francisco da Costa Gomes, ComTE, GOA |Chaves]], 30 June 1914 – Lisbon, Lapa, 31 July 2001), was a Portuguese military officer and politician, the 15th President of the Portuguese Republic .-Life:...
. As in the previous administrations, Belém underwent new renovations in the Arrábida wing in order to accommodate the demands of the President and his family. But, while some Presidents resided in Belém, others (such as Mário Soares
Mário Soares
Mário Alberto Nobre Lopes Soares, GColTE, GCC, GColL, KE , Portuguese politician, served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 1976 to 1978 and from 1983 to 1985, and subsequently as the 17th President of Portugal from 1986 to 1996.-Family:...
and Jorge Sampaio) used it merely as a workplace, living in their private residences during their terms.
Between 1980 and 1985, the main dining hall was used to exhibit the gifts received by the Chief of State.
In 1998, the construction of the Centro de Documentação e Informação (Documentation and Information Centre), was begun by architect João Luís Carrilho da Graça, winner of a public competition promoted by the Secretary-General of the Presidency.
President Jorge Sampaio commissioned painter Paula Rego
Paula Rego
Paula Rego is a painter born in Portugal although she is a naturalised British citizen.-Biography:Rego was born in the Portuguese capital Lisbon, the daughter of an electrical engineer who worked for the Marconi Company. Although this gave her a comfortable middle class home, the family was...
to paint a series of paintings to decorate the walls of the Palace chapel in 2002. The painter eventually gifted her works entitled "Ciclo da Vida da Virgem Maria e da Paixão de Jesus Cristo" (Cycle of Life of the Virgin Mary and the Passion of Jesus Christ". The early exhibitions and Presidential iniatives would lead to the inauguaration of the 5 October 2004 Presidential Museum . Similarly, the King D. Luís I Painting Gallery was the setting for the exposition "Do Palácio de Belém" (2005) that presented the history, architecture and artistic works that have occupied the spaces of the palace.
On 10 March 2006, a Ministry of Cultura dispatch reclassified the Palace into a National Monument, to include the Palace, gardens, Museum of the Presidency and other annexes.
Geography
The Palace is located in an urban environment, isolated behind a wall and formal gardens, on a elevated space in the historical quarter of Santa Maria de BelémSanta Maria de Belém
Santa Maria de Belém, or just Belém , whose name is derived from the Portuguese word for Bethlehem, is a civil parish of the municipality of Lisbon, in central Portugal...
. With this southern façade, it fronts the Rua de Belém, across from the Praça Afonso de Albuquerque
Afonso de Albuquerque Square
Afonso de Albuquerque Square is a public square in the Belém district of the city of Lisbon, Portugal.The square is located in front of Belém Palace, a 17th-18th century palace that nowadays serves as residence for the President of Portugal. The square is named after the first conqueror of India,...
(the old Praça D. Fernando II), while the eastern façade fronts the Calçada da Ajuda separated by the Patio das Damas (in front of the Luís de Camões Theatre), alongside the Coach Museum . The remainder of the eastern and northern limits of the Palace follow the Calçada da Ajuda and includes the barracks of the 2nd Regimental Lancers, while the western limits fronts the Colonial Tropical Gardens . Access to the Palace is made from Rua de Belém at the main gate and ramp (guarded by military sentries), that ends at the lateral façade, called the Pátio dos Bichos (Animals' Patio). Flanking the southern entrance are buildings for the post office and 26th Squadron of the Polícia de Segurança Pública - PSP
Polícia de Segurança Pública
The Polícia de Segurança Pública - PSP is the Portuguese police force that works in large urban areas. Rural towns and areas are under the protection of the Portuguese Republican National Guard...
(police).
Architecture
Exterior
Belém Palace is a "L" shape building, with the main space located in a rectangular three-volume space in the south façade. This front, which faces the formal gardens, presents a space of five bodies, flanked by wedges surmounted by by pinnacles. A combination of ManneristMannerism
Mannerism is a period of European art that emerged from the later years of the Italian High Renaissance around 1520. It lasted until about 1580 in Italy, when a more Baroque style began to replace it, but Northern Mannerism continued into the early 17th century throughout much of Europe...
and Baroque
Baroque
The Baroque is a period and the style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, literature, dance, and music...
styles, has a central body with floor level arcades, over a collonade gallery surmounted by a triangular pediment decorated in stucco.
The two outside blocks are farther in front then the main building, forming a terrace delimited by baluster
Baluster
A baluster is a moulded shaft, square or of lathe-turned form, one of various forms of spindle in woodwork, made of stone or wood and sometimes of metal, standing on a unifying footing, and supporting the coping of a parapet or the handrail of a staircase. Multiplied in this way, they form a...
s and accessible by lateral staircases. The top of these lateral walls are topped by twelve panels of monochromatic azulejo
Azulejo
Azulejo from the Arabic word Zellige زليج is a form of Portuguese or Spanish painted, tin-glazed, ceramic tilework. They have become a typical aspect of Portuguese culture, having been produced without interruption for five centuries...
tile. On the veranda are 14 azulejo panels representing figures from mythology, with many showing the "Labours of Hercules", including "Plutão e Cérbero" (Pluto
Pluto
Pluto, formal designation 134340 Pluto, is the second-most-massive known dwarf planet in the Solar System and the tenth-most-massive body observed directly orbiting the Sun...
and Cerberus
Cerberus
Cerberus , or Kerberos, in Greek and Roman mythology, is a multi-headed hound which guards the gates of the Underworld, to prevent those who have crossed the river Styx from ever escaping...
), "Vénus" (Venus
Venus
Venus is the second planet from the Sun, orbiting it every 224.7 Earth days. The planet is named after Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. After the Moon, it is the brightest natural object in the night sky, reaching an apparent magnitude of −4.6, bright enough to cast shadows...
), "Neptuno" (Neptune
Neptune
Neptune is the eighth and farthest planet from the Sun in the Solar System. Named for the Roman god of the sea, it is the fourth-largest planet by diameter and the third largest by mass. Neptune is 17 times the mass of Earth and is slightly more massive than its near-twin Uranus, which is 15 times...
), "Hércules" (Hercules
Hercules
Hercules is the Roman name for Greek demigod Heracles, son of Zeus , and the mortal Alcmene...
), "Hércules e a égua de Diómedes" (Hercules and the Mares of Diomedes
Mares of Diomedes
The Mares of Diomedes, also called the Mares of Thrace, were four man-eating horses in Greek mythology. Magnificent, wild, and uncontrollable, they belonged to the giant Diomedes , king of Thrace, a son of Ares and Cyrene who lived on the shores of the Black Sea...
), "Figura masculina" (Masculine figure), "Figura masculina com arco e flechas" (Masculine figure with bow and arrow), two panels of "Figura feminina" (Female figure), "Hércules e a ave de Estinfália" (Hercules and the Stymphalian birds
Stymphalian birds
In Greek mythology, the Stymphalian birds were man-eating birds with beaks of bronze and sharp metallic feathers they could launch at their victims, and were sacred to Ares, the god of war. Furthermore, their dung was highly toxic...
), "Figura masculina com machado" (Masculine figure with hoe), "Hércules e a serpente de Ládon" (Hercules and the serpent Ladon
Ladon (mythology)
Ladon was the serpent-like dragon that twined and twisted around the tree in the Garden of the Hesperides and guarded the golden apples. He was overcome by Heracles...
), "Hércules e o touro de Creta" (Hercules and the Cretan Bull
Cretan Bull
In Greek mythology, the Cretan Bull was either the bull that carried away Europa or the bull Pasiphaë fell in love with, giving birth to the Minotaur.- Origin :...
), "Hércules e a Hidra de Lerna" (Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra
Lernaean Hydra
In Greek mythology, the Lernaean Hydra was an ancient nameless serpent-like chthonic water beast, with reptilian traits, that possessed many heads — the poets mention more heads than the vase-painters could paint, and for each head cut off it grew two more — and poisonous breath so virulent even...
). In addition, two rows of tiles with geometric patterns and acanthus
Acanthus (ornament)
The acanthus is one of the most common plant forms to make foliage ornament and decoration.-Architecture:In architecture, an ornament is carved into stone or wood to resemble leaves from the Mediterranean species of the Acanthus genus of plants, which have deeply cut leaves with some similarity to...
leaves.
The eastern façade, which fronts the Pátio das Damas (Lady's Patio), is animated by two levels of windows and portal. The western wing is served from the Pátio dos Bichos (Animals' Patio), where a gated entrance and ramp provides access to the principal staircase via an elevated space that overlooks the Jardim da Cascata (Falls Garden). The space was resurfaced and re-paved with stone at the beginning of the 21st century.
Immediately in front of the palace (fronting the Rua de Belém) are the formal gardens. Of a 18th century design, they consist of a terrace enclosed by a balustrade adorned with statues and interecting pattern of hedges around three circular ponds. In the Jardim da Cascata (in the northwest corner of the grounds) there are three pavillions (greenhouses) of capstone topped by a decorative railing, with vases and statues. Inserted within a rounded-arch is a falls, adorned by a statue of Hercules.
In the central pavilion are six azulejo panels forming a figuarative composition, completed in the 19th century. The central composition is in black and white, while the trim is polychromatic: yellow, green and manganese plant ornamentation. These panels include: an "Outdoor Scene", "Two female figures and a male figure in the park, with fruit basket", "Standing female figure gives an apple to a male figure", a "Backgammon game", "Music in the Garden" and "Music in the Garden, with harpsichord and violin".
Interior
The main space is highlighted by a linear sequence of rooms designed along the south elevation, and dominated by the Sala das Bicas, a grande vestibule paved in marble. The ceiling is panelled around an allegorical composition around FloraFlora
Flora is the plant life occurring in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring or indigenous—native plant life. The corresponding term for animals is fauna.-Etymology:...
and 18th century polychromatic azulejo ashlar
Ashlar
Ashlar is prepared stone work of any type of stone. Masonry using such stones laid in parallel courses is known as ashlar masonry, whereas masonry using irregularly shaped stones is known as rubble masonry. Ashlar blocks are rectangular cuboid blocks that are masonry sculpted to have square edges...
s, completed in the last quarter of that century. In the space one can observed two round, marble fountains along one wall, with the heads of lions, which gave the space its names. In addition, the space is surrounded by eight jasper busts on plinths, representing Roman emporers.
In the Sala Dourada or Salão de Baile (Golden Room or Ballroom, respectively) the ceiling is pannelled with a central allegory of the Roman Empire, with murals and crown moulding medallions in a neo-Pompeian motif.
The Sala Luís XV (Louis XVth Room), also pannelled, is highlighted by a series of paintings surmounted two shields of the House of Braganza
House of Braganza
The Most Serene House of Braganza , an important Portuguese noble family, ruled the Kingdom of Portugal and its colonial Empire, from 1640 to 1910...
and Orléans
Orléans
-Prehistory and Roman:Cenabum was a Gallic stronghold, one of the principal towns of the Carnutes tribe where the Druids held their annual assembly. It was conquered and destroyed by Julius Caesar in 52 BC, then rebuilt under the Roman Empire...
.
The rectangular chapel, with smooth walls and wood paneling Capela, is occupied by a Neoclassical
Neoclassical architecture
Neoclassical architecture was an architectural style produced by the neoclassical movement that began in the mid-18th century, manifested both in its details as a reaction against the Rococo style of naturalistic ornament, and in its architectural formulas as an outgrowth of some classicizing...
retable
Retable
A retable is a framed altarpiece, raised slightly above the back of the altar or communion table, on which are placed the cross, ceremonial candlesticks and other ornaments....
in gold-leaf wood, with a painting by André Reinoso representing the "A Adoração dos Pastores" (The Adoration of the Shepards). The vaulted ceiling is decorated with a profusion of decorative motifs in a "ferronneire" similar to those found in the Sala Dourada. On the walls are paintings over pastel by the artist Paula Rego
Paula Rego
Paula Rego is a painter born in Portugal although she is a naturalised British citizen.-Biography:Rego was born in the Portuguese capital Lisbon, the daughter of an electrical engineer who worked for the Marconi Company. Although this gave her a comfortable middle class home, the family was...
(1935), representing the "Ciclo da Vida da Virgem Maria e da Paixão de Jesus Cristo" (Circle of Life of the Virgin Mary and the Passion of Christ).
In addition, there are other rooms of interest, such as the Sala das Sessões of the Câmara dos Deputados and the Sala dos Passos Perdidos (or Salão Nobre), among others.
See also
- Afonso de Albuquerque SquareAfonso de Albuquerque SquareAfonso de Albuquerque Square is a public square in the Belém district of the city of Lisbon, Portugal.The square is located in front of Belém Palace, a 17th-18th century palace that nowadays serves as residence for the President of Portugal. The square is named after the first conqueror of India,...
- National Coach Museum