May 2022 Lisbon,
Portugal
Olá Lisboa! Humidity is low but temperature is rising high on May Day in Lisbon, still the wind blows rather stronger at PALÁCIO NACIONAL DA AJUDA. Located on the hilltop of the central part of the parish of Ajuda overlooking the historic centre of Lisbon and Tagus River, this neoclassical palace with Baroque Rococo styles, has never been fully completed since 1755. Being through Lisbon Earthquake, the financial constraints, political conflicts, following the invasion of Portugal by French troops in 1807, with Queen Maria Pia and Possidónio da Silva’s interior design, Palácio Nacional da Ajuda still remains its splendid elegance at post-modern era.
Taking bus No. 727 from Belém, we reach the botanical garden, where the vestibule is the main access to the Palace. The Library and Exhibition Gallery, by which is made through the vestibule, through a monumental staircase and rounded arches. Purchasing the tickets at library kiosk, a slight pity for the lack of souvenir selections, the interior of Palácio Nacional da Ajuda is laid out with interconnecting halls, with a central corridor of staircases.
On the main floor entrance hallway, with a succession of the museum in lateral directions, there is a staircase beside two niches with the figures of Justiça and Prudência, which leads to the Sala dos Archeiros/Archers Hall, in a linear path, we visitor follows through the 12 chambers and 6 halls on the ground floor. My favourite among of all is the Queen’s Room, where was decorated in the Napoleonic style, includes walls in blue silk with a silver pattern, surmounted by a ceiling painted with allegorical depictions of mythological stories, as well as a figure of John the Baptist. The room is decorated in religious iconography, ornate wood furniture and highlighted by a large canopy bed, with gold and blue marquee, while the floor is covered in carpet, with a polar bear hide.
Alongside is changing room and toilette, with large three-pane standing mirror, fireplace, chest of drawers and commode. It is decorated in rich brown and gold trim, phytomorphic elements and paintings of the figures of Diana, Juno, Venus and Minerva over the doorways. The actual bathroom, more practical then decorative, nonetheless, includes decorated with painted mouldings and rich wood trim, and includes bathtub, double lavatory, double sink and bide, hygienic innovations that came from England around 1880.
On the second layer of PALÁCIO NACIONAL DA AJUDA, theenclosed staircase, is decorated with flourish carvings on the ceiling from the lower floor, which zigzags to the upper landing decorated with rounded stained glass with the royal coat of arms and painted ceiling. On the second floor of the palace lies workshop, library, office, salon, and 8 major rooms, no doubt Throne Room, Sala do Tronois in Portuguese, is a largest among all that occupies the southern tower of the Palace, with a ceiling of the Virtude Heróica and a bronze crystal chandelier, on walls draped in red silk and floor covered in parquet and Aubusson carpet, exalting the royalty of Miguel of Portugal. On a small two-step platform are the two thrones of King Luís and Queen Maria Pia under a red draped canopy.
Nevertheless, it’s definitely a moment to put on puffy silk blouse to mix and match with leggings for a soft silhouette for the royal palace visit: CHLOÉ 100% silk blouse in dark navy blue represents the motif of Queen’s Room and Blue Room; the knots can be tied up for the cutie style or free for the rather bohemian romance. Moreover, the silk material is comfy indoors and elegant on complete look, while ZARA 100% metallic fabric brings easy walking and trendy feels at any occasion.
As for Accessories, MIU MIU round-frame glittered acetate sunglasses own the gradient lenses, which the greyish colours make my vision comfortable; they are also handy to tuck up for the instant hairband to prevent the sudden blows of wind. CHANEL Le Sac du Jour was originally suitable for the uniform accessory, while its adjustable leather metallic braided strap allows to wear either shoulder-carry or waist-fancy. Made in Spain with lambskin, the length of 20 with width 13.5 plus thickness in 4.5 cm, the spacious interior design contains a hidden pocket, which is perfect to insert some tubes of eau de parfum and ID; the front pocket is advisable to intercalate some bank notes, alcohol cottons or daily sanitary pads, last but not the least, the exterior back leather pocket is perfect to interpose the metro or bus ticket. Both MIU MIU sunglasses and CHANEL le sac du jour combining the light characteristics of lamskin and the practical function, definitely my favourite travel essentials since 2021!
In order to survive long haul roaming, CHANEL 100% cotton slingback sandals with lambskin inner sole, its softly rising 2,5cm heels provide a comfortable angle for the foot on the walk. With supple lambskin and breathable satin materials weaving in between, the pair with dark navy blue tone also matches perfectly with Chloé 100% silk blouse during the visit of Palácio Nacional da Ajuda.
TOP TIP 1: Always take a silk blouse on the road, for the rather formal occasion and comfy day tour
TOP TIP 2: Never forget to carry the light-weighted accessories during the day, for one pair or more!
Special Thanks: Wendy
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