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When European travelers think of palaces to visit, often you think of places like the Palace of Versailles in France or perhaps Schönbrunn Palace in Austria.
But what about the Belem Palace, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza or the Estoi Palace, all located in Portugal? You may want to add them to your list.
In fact, here are five amazing palaces that tourists can explore on their next adventure Portugal.
Belem Palace
Let’s start with the most important palace in all of Portugal. Why is the Belem Palace so important? Because it is the official residence of the President of the Portuguese Republic.
The picturesque pink building on the banks of the Tagus River in Belém, whose history dates back to 1559. Reservations are required to tour the palace and can be booked in advance online. At just €5, it’s a great deal for travelers too!
Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
Going back to the medieval times of knights and kings, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza in Guimarães was completed around 1420 for Afonso de Barcelos.
This is one of my personal favorites in Portugal because of the many different architectural elements that add a real historic feel to this palace.
Not only is it filled with ancient tapestries that add to the atmosphere of the old palace, but it also contains a traditional palace chapel with a wooden ceiling and antique stained glass windows.
Estoi Palace
The complete opposite of the traditional medieval palace of the Dukes of Braganza is the astonishingly designed rococo-style Estoi Palace in Faro.
This one is another one of my favorites with its pink, marble-like exterior and interior that reminds me of the historic palaces in both Versailles and Vienna.
It was built in 1782 and the additions were last completed in 1909. Today it is actually a palace that you can stay in, as it is a functioning hotel in the popular Portuguese hotspot of the Algarve.
Stock Exchange Palace
The Arabesque elements of the Moorish Arab room in the Stock Exchange Palace in Porto it seems as if it should instead be found in southern Spanish cities like Seville or Granada.
It may seem quite simple from the outside, but once travelers wander inland they are guaranteed to be enchanted. The interior, considered exotic by many, features geometric patterns of gold and brown with splashes of blue on the ceiling.
It is quite astonishing that merchants would gather here to trade shares rather than consult with a local baron.
Monserrate Palace
The last stop on our fascinating palaces to visit in Portugal is the Monserrate Palace in Sintra.
To me it looks Arabesque with its arches and geometric carvings on the outside. However, it is rightly classified as Portuguese Romanticism.
Built by Sir Francis Cook, the Viscount of Monserrate, in 1858, it was a popular meeting place with famous writers and poets, including Lord Byron.
The Sacred Art Room features beautiful stained glass and travelers should not miss the ceiling in the great room. I also loved the complexity of the architecture in the amazing Music Room.
Tips for travelers
There are actually many beautiful ones amazing palaces spread across Portugal. However, I have chosen to highlight five that stand out in my mind as quite unique tourist destinations.
While travelers may choose to head to France or Austria to explore some of Europe’s grand palaces, they should also realize that Portugal also has some pretty cool and Instagrammable royal places to visit.