The immense beauty of the Palacio Nacional de Queluz is so vast, that in order to truly savor this beautiful summer day, I’m sharing it with you in parts. Today, we’re taking a nice calm walk around its Jardins Superiores, also known as its Upper Gardens. After making your way within the stunning interiors of the Palace, you’re naturally met atop the majestic staircase leading you into the Queluz Gardens.
At first glance, one sees its resemblance to the French gardens like that of Versailles, as these were designed by Jean Baptiste Robillion. You might want to keep your map on hand for this one, even if wandering around the paths without a plan is your preference. The Queluz Gardens are distinctly separated and divided. You wouldn’t want to miss one of their beautiful ornate fountain lakes, that all connect with one another along the paths, or the unique Rococo style natural cascade, once a grand waterfall. Or much less the walls of traditional Portuguese azulejo {tiles} or array of marble statues.
It is a geometric wonder, a well designed and intentional maze of sorts, so as I mentioned before, it’s best to come with time to spare.
Tucked in a corner is the Botanical Garden, smaller when compared to other grand palaces, but a lovely depiction of Baroque-Rococo design. I didn’t make my way there, instead found myself wandering atop the balcony overlooking the entire outdoor garden space, and stumbled upon a darling flower bed of magenta scabiosa and wildflowers.
Filled with water once long ago, the Tiled Canal is an ode to different sea ports and landscapes. The traditional artistry of Portuguese tile work is like no other, a fantastic and unique art form worthy of admiring. Not one piece repeated, each one singular in its story.
As there aren’t enough words to describe the beauty of its interiors, there also aren’t enough that can embody the mesmerizing details of its fountains. Each one, like almost all things designed within Queluz, has its own story — their own distinct details and carvings one could admire for hours. And yet still not capture all their likeness. The Palacio de Queluz’s gardens displayed prominently in front of its facade, are a clear showcase of classical mythology. The marble stone statues and fountains, truly one of a kind pieces.
A lover of the sea and the world of our oceans, I was mesmerized. Sea creatures, corals and shells so perfectly carved, one would think they had been plucked from the ocean floors and cast in marble. It is actually called the Hanging or Neptune Garden, because its location gathers excess waters from the two large lakes flowing into it; Neptune’s Lake and Nereid’s Lake. Every single design element, created with an intentional purpose.
The fading blue walls of the Palacio’s facade, its weathered stone, mimicked the ever changing colors of a blue sky and pockets of sunshine.
You can read all about this royal palace’s rich history, along with the story of its design, here.
For this travel journey, let’s take a carefree walk around the Palacio Nacional de Queluz’s Gardens, admiring the beauty around. Admiring all the details that have permanently left their beautiful etchings on my soul…..
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