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Oeiras: Palace of the Marquis of Pombal
The former residence of Sebastião José de Carvalho and Mello is a typical 18th-century manor house, created by the Hungarian architect Carlos Mardel; inside, the paintings and decorated stucco ceilings are worth admiring.
Nowadays, the palace contains few original pieces; however, the Town Council and the actual descendants of the marquis are considering an agreement to restore some of the atmosphere of the time.
The surrounding space exhibits statues, waterfalls, farms and gardens, reflecting the lifestyle of the well-to-do families of the age.
Estates with both leisure spaces and agricultural lands were common in the 18th century; the estate of the marquis of Pombal followed this principle, with a rigorous geometry to divide recreation spaces, great gardens and rural properties; it was at the gardens surrounding the palace that cultural events were held: theater, ballet, music, etc.
The property results from joining three estates: at the Quinta de Baixo (lower farm), you can visit the palace, the gardens, the wine-cellar and some farming lands; the Quinta de Cima (higher farm) includes the fishing house, the grand Taveira cascade, orchards and instalations for the production of wood and silk-worms; finally, at the Quinta do Marco, there is the Casa da Serra (hill house), surrounded by lands with olive trees, vineyards and orchards.
Belonging to the estate and right next to the entrance to the palace, stands the manor chapel; also planned by the architect Carlos Mardel, it was concluded in 1762 and consecrated to Our Lady of the Graces; stucco decorations by the Italian artist João Grossi, three altars with paintings by André Gonçalves and a representation of the life of the Virgin are worth admiring.
The visits to the palace, now lodging the National Administration Institute, are included in the tourist circuits of the Oeiras City Council, once per month, on a sunday; the chapel is open on the first sunday of each month, from 10 am to 1 pm.
[ Oeiras: Palace of the Marquis of Pombal ]
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