THE AJUDA NATIONAL PALACE

 

 

The Royal Palace of Our Lady of Ajuda was built on top of the Ajuda hill in Lisbon, by order of King D. José I (1714-1777). This building, made of timber to better withstand earthquakes, became known as the Wooden Palace or the Royal Barrack. It was meant to replace the sumptuous Ribeira Palace which had been destroyed during the devastating earthquake that struck Lisbon in November 1755.

 

The State Rooms of the Palace were intended primarily for gala receptions. It houses the Diplomatic Corps Hall, the Throne Hall, King João VI Hall - where balls took place -, the Grand Dining Hall - where banquets were held - among other official reception rooms. 

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D. Joao VI Hall Mural Paintings

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150 years ago Queen Dona Maria Pia covered the walls of the ballroom hall with silk to prevent its deterioration.

 

When in 2010 the cloth was removed, the museum found out what was underneath and to everyone's amazement an original painting by Arcangelo Foschini (1807) was hidden beneath several layers of silk which depicts the arrival of D. Joao VI to Portugal, after the exile of 14 years in Brazil.

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Project

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Conservation and restoration of historical mural painting on the walls and ceiling.

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Reproduction of original lambrim (lower wall) painting based on one wall where the lambrim was not destroyed and it was possible to see the original decorative painting design.

 

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