Located midway between Lisbon and Sintra, Queluz is a charming city nestled within the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. While predominantly residential, the area is adorned with opulent royal and aristocratic palaces amidst the modern housing developments. Within Queluz itself, there is a magnificent palace, and within a short 15-minute journey, one can explore several more. Not to be overlooked is the nearby town of Sintra, easily accessible by road or public transportation, offering even more delights to discover.
To the south of Queluz lies the confluence of the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean. On the estuary side, one can find the remarkable UNESCO-listed marvels of Belém, while on the oceanfront, inviting beaches like Carcavelos beckon. This coastal region transforms into a surfer’s paradise during the winter months and serves as a preferred summer retreat for those seeking relaxation in the vicinity of Lisbon.
Queluz Palace
One cannot visit Queluz without experiencing the grandeur of the royal palace, constructed during the latter half of the 18th century. It was commissioned by Dom Pedro of Braganza, who would later become King Consort when his niece, Maria, ascended to the throne in 1815. The palace, both inside and out, exudes opulence, with the Robillon wing, named after its French architect, showcasing remarkable Baroque splendor. The interiors boast tile-clad galleries, lavishly adorned halls with gilded plasterwork, a resplendent chapel adorned with carved giltwood, and intimate private apartments. Noteworthy highlights include the king’s bedroom, featuring mirrored columns, and the queen’s boudoir, renowned for its exquisite marquetry flooring.
Queluz Palace Gardens
The palace grounds deserve special attention, as they rival the most sumptuous gardens in Portugal. Facing the “Ceremonial Façade” and Robillon’s extravagant staircase, a French formal garden awaits, embellished with boxwood hedges, fountains, vases, and sculptures, centered around the “Portico dos Cavalinhos,” a Palladian garden temple. A short distance from the palace, a captivating grotto with a cascading waterfall awaits exploration. However, the true highlight is the breathtaking Dutch-designed canal, stretching over 100 meters, its walls adorned with tile panels depicting mesmerizing seascapes.
Museum of Black Powder
Just a few minutes from Queluz Palace, you will discover an unmistakable historical complex known as the Museum of Black Powder. Housed within these mustard-colored Baroque buildings is the former gunpowder factory, which operated from the 16th to the 20th century. In 1994, the municipality transformed the site into a museum and cultural space, hosting outdoor concerts in the courtyard during the summer months. The exhibits delve into the composition and invention of gunpowder, as well as the manufacturing process that took place within these walls. Visitors can also enjoy a short film based on accounts from the mill’s last generation of workers.
Vasco da Gama Aquarium
With a smooth drive along Lisbon’s ring road (CREL), you can quickly reach the Vasco da Gama Aquarium from Queluz. This aquatic wonderland originated in the late 19th century at the request of King Carlos I, an avid oceanography enthusiast. The initial exhibits showcased specimens personally collected by the king aboard his yacht, which can still be admired today. Housed in a magnificent historical setting, the aquarium now features 90 tanks teeming with around 300 species, while the museum preserves thousands of specimens. Children will be captivated by the playful sea lions, fascinating turtles, and vibrant tropical fish, creating an exciting experience for all.
Belém Tower
Situated a few kilometers west of Lisbon in the monument-rich neighborhood of Belém, you will find two UNESCO sites and cherished Portuguese national treasures within a short drive. The first of these is the defensive tower located on an island in the Tagus River. This monument holds significant cultural and historical value, representing Portuguese identity through various aspects. As a symbol of the Age of Discovery, its strategic position at the harbor entrance played a crucial role. Additionally, the tower’s architecture from the early 16th century showcases the remarkable Manueline style, characterized by a fusion of late-Gothic, Plateresque, and Renaissance design elements. Admire the sculpted domes on the bartizans, the Venetian loggia, and the intricately ribbed vaulting in the casemate.
Jerónimos Monastery
One of the crowning achievements of the renowned Manueline style, the 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery stands as a cherished Portuguese monument. Designed by the esteemed architect Diogo de Boitaca, this monastery is a testament to his creative genius and a highlight of the Manueline era. Boitaca had the freedom and time to meticulously craft the exquisite columns and vaults within the church, as well as the astounding decorative elements adorning the arches of the cloister. His successor, João de Castilho, masterfully carved the sumptuous south portal, an intricate display of sculpture that warrants a few minutes of pause to fully appreciate its grandeur.
Maritime Museum
Located within a wing of the monastery, the Maritime Museum proudly showcases Portugal’s rich seafaring heritage, funded by the expeditions of the Age of Discovery. Delve into the captivating exhibits that chronicle the era when influential figures like Prince Henry the Navigator expanded Portuguese influence across the globe. Explore an array of navigation instruments, figureheads, weapons, maritime charts, and an impressive collection of historic ship models. Adjacent to the museum, the Pavilhão das Galeotas houses a beautifully ornate brigantine, launched in 1780, offering a glimpse into the maritime splendor of the past.
Marquês de Pombal Palace
Immerse yourself in courtly elegance at the luxurious Marquês de Pombal Palace, a magnificent estate designed for the Marquis of Pombal. Constructed in the late 18th century in the Baroque and Rococo styles by architect Carlos Mardel, who also contributed to the Águas Livres Aqueduct, this palace is a testament to architectural grandeur. While the interiors may lack extensive furniture, they are adorned with exquisite azulejos (decorative ceramic tiles) that embellish nearly every room. The splendid west and south facades of the palace are equally captivating. The estate’s gardens boast a grand grotto and various agricultural facilities, including a winery, fishery, and olive mill. In the summer months, the grounds come alive with classical music and dance performances, reminiscent of the Marquis’ era.
Gardens of Quinta Real de Caxias
Situated a short 15-minute drive south of Queluz, the elegant royal pleasure gardens of Quinta Real de Caxias offer a serene retreat near the waterfront, despite its current state of graceful decay. Dating back to the 1700s, the gardens are meticulously arranged on a parterre, encircled by pavilions and adorned with statues by the esteemed 18th-century sculptor, Machado de Castro. These geometric formal gardens feature boxwood hedges meticulously shaped into imaginative designs. From the elevated terraces, you can admire the intricate patterns below as you make your way towards the main monument—a captivating grotto embellished with a cascading waterfall and crowned by yet another exquisite pavilion.
São Bruno de Caxias Fort
During the Portuguese Restoration War in the mid-17th century, an extensive network of maritime fortifications was constructed along the Barra do Tejo fortification line, stretching from Cabo da Roca (mainland Portugal’s westernmost point) to the Belém Tower. Among these structures, the São Bruno de Caxias Fort stands out as the largest. While its focus was functionality rather than aesthetics, those intrigued by this historical period can explore the star-shaped fort and delve into its intriguing architecture. Entry is free, and even outside of opening hours, visitors can ascend to the battery and enjoy a view of the flowing Tagus River.
Carcavelos Beach
Just south of Queluz, the Atlantic Coast comes to life, accompanied by another coastal fort. Carcavelos Beach, the first significant beach in this area, attracts a multitude of visitors throughout the year. In the cooler months, the waves are high, fast-moving, and perfect for surfers seeking thrilling tube rides. If you’ve ever desired to learn how to ride the waves, this beach offers surf schools where you can embark on your surfing journey, following in the footsteps of Portugal’s renowned surfers. During the summer, the surf is calmer, and Lisbon residents often take the commuter train to spend peaceful weekends basking on the golden sands of Carcavelos Beach.
Dolce Vita Tejo
In the neighboring town of Amadora, you’ll find the largest shopping mall in Portugal, the Dolce Vita Tejo. This mall offers a comprehensive selection of both mainstream Portuguese and international fashion brands, catering to diverse shopping preferences. If you’re short on time, you can make a quick visit and continue with your holiday plans. However, you could also dedicate an entire day to explore the mall, especially if you have children with you, as it boasts excellent facilities for kids. With over 300 stores, a multiplex cinema, and more than 30 restaurants, Dolce Vita Tejo provides a complete shopping and entertainment experience.
Kidzania
Make sure to include Dolce Vita Tejo in your itinerary, especially if you’re traveling with children, as it houses the child-oriented mini theme park known as Kidzania. This global franchise offers a unique concept where kids, typically up to the age of 12, can explore various real-life professions. They can role-play as doctors, firefighters, journalists, chefs, and more, engaging in tasks related to these occupations. Along the way, they earn money that can be used for leisure activities or to purchase items they desire. While children have a fun-filled experience, there is a strong educational component hidden within, teaching them about different jobs and financial management in a lighthearted environment.
Sintra
A mere 15 minutes west of Queluz lies the enchanting town of Sintra, which served as a summer retreat for Portugal’s kings and queens from medieval times until the 19th century. Despite its small size, Sintra is adorned with towering hills, many of which are crowned with palaces and castles. Four remarkable estates await exploration, alongside the Castelo dos Mouros, constructed by the Moors in the early Middle Ages. While Sintra deserves more than a day to fully appreciate its splendor, if you must choose one palace, make it the Quinta da Regaleira. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was developed by an eccentric businessman who adorned the grounds with tunnels and enigmatic Freemasonry monuments, including two massive “initiation wells” used for rituals.
Lisbon
For a day trip to the capital city, it is advisable to leave the car behind and either take the commuter train or transfer to the Blue Line of the Metro a few stops away from Queluz at Reboleira. Once in Lisbon, the entire city becomes easily accessible, particularly the attractions in the western part. Explore the Lisbon Zoo, Fronteira Palace, Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Benfica and Sporting Lisbon’s stadiums, and the Águas Livres Aqueduct, among others. However, this vibrant and diverse city has so much more to offer. Consider delving into specific neighborhoods like Alfama, where traces of Moorish influence can still be seen, or Bairro Alto, known for its lively nightlife and bohemian atmosphere. Don’t miss the opportunity to ride the city’s iconic funiculars, visit the historic São Jorge Castle, or wander through the elegant Baixa and Rossio districts. Lisbon is a city unlike any other, waiting to be discovered.
