Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, Lisbon

The Palace of Ajuda: Palácio da Ajuda, is a neoclassical monument in the civil parish of Ajuda in the city of Lisbon, central Portugal. Built on the site of a temporary wooden building constructed to house the Royal family after the 1755 earthquake and tsunami, it was originally begun by architect Manuel Caetano de Sousa, who planned a late Baroque-Rococo building. Later, it was entrusted to José da Costa e Silva and Francisco Xavier Fabri, who planned a magnificent building in the modern neoclassical style.

If your're lucky and find it without a crowd, its a wonderful place to travel back in time. The story behind it makes it 10x more interesting - use a guide. If its packed turn back. It becomes impossible to visit.

One of the best palaces to visit if not the best. Pay attention to the details in the walls, ceilings and door frames. Impressive dining rooms.

See if this is true for you too but "unexpected" came to my mind when I entered interiors of Palácio da Ajuda. People say, the feeling you get while inside is as if the royals just went out for a tea. Well, not exactly - they had to leave this place (and the country for that matter) in a hurry in 1807 escaping invading French troops. It is true though, you can't escape the sensation of walking onto the royal couple while inside of this splendid Palácio. Tables set for dinner, toiletries round the bathroom sinks, billiard balls on the table, beds made etc... all intact and never suffered any loss or damage since it was abandoned. Allocate an hour and a half for the tour if you want to see the place in details. Photography is allowed and taking pictures will slow you down, no doubt - there is plenty to be photographed there. What is not allowed is walking on an exposed parquet - just the carpet runners, please (?¿) Personally, I was most impressed by some sculptures statues and figurines. I am sure, you will find something equally impresive there too.

Excellent visit, very well kept and very kind staff working there. There is not too much confusion as it is a bit far from other touristic places.