Grande Palácio, Portugal

The Grande Palácio is an abandoned Neoclassical palace in Portugal. There are many exquisite rooms, but the main staircase is the one that will probably catch your eye the most. The Palace has stood seemingly abandoned for around 40 years.

I explored this mind-blowing location during my 2022 Portugal Tour.

History Of Grande Palácio

A Portuguese noble built the Grande Palácio in the early 18th century. The neoclassical façade was a clear sign of its owners’ wealth and prominence to all who saw it. Over the decades, the palace passed between prominent families and affluent individuals, as such exquisite dwellings often do.

The 19th century saw a grand restoration and expansion of the Grande Palácio. At this time, exquisite painted ceilings and walls were brushed by artistic hands, and intricate plasterwork and carved woodwork were installed. Eventually, the palace found itself under state ownership. The magnificent tapestries, paintings, and antique furniture sold at auctions, and the palace itself embarked on a new chapter.

Extensive renovations in the mid-20th century transformed it into a public service space. It has, however, been largely disused since the 1980s.

Inside the beautiful abandoned Portuguese Neoclassical palace

The main attraction at Grande Palácio, undoubtedly, is the main stairs. The walls are painted in “grisaille” style, a painting technique using only shades of grey that creates the illusion of sculptures. This masterful painting skill creates an optical illusion (trompe l’oeil) of ornately columned and carved walls. The floor is limestone stonework, forming delightful geometric patterns. The two symmetrical stone stairways have an eye-catching, bright red carpet. A black metal lantern hangs from the centre of the ceiling.

There are many, many more beautiful rooms. A large hallway with the walls covered in green silk and wooden panelling. A gallery with large windows facing the large and once beautiful gardens. Additionally, there is a ballroom, a music room, and a theatre. There are two conservatories or greenhouses, one at either end of the palace.