Sunday 13th May 2018

On our way back from Sintra on the IC19 we spotted signs for the National Palace of Quelez. As it was only 10 minutes from our campsite and the weather had picked up we made a slight detour from the main highway towards Quelez.

We parked right outside the baroque palace on the cobbled sidewalk and were impressed by its exterior.

As time was getting on we decided to pass on the tour inside the palace but explored the landscaped gardens.

On the day of our visit, major refurbishment work was taking place in the Malta Garden, directly outside the rear of the palace, as well as the Robillion or Lion Staircase and many of the gardens were in need of some TLC.

Nevertheless we enjoyed our stroll around the formal Baroque-Rococo gardens, admiring the many sculptures and water features.

We were particularly impressed with the renovated Botanical Garden in one of the furthest corners of the garden, especially the wonderful cultivation of pineapples in the greenhouses.

The Botanical Garden was established in the 1770’s and organised symmetrically around four greenhouses with exotic plants.

The central flowerbeds host a collection of plants from around the globe.

 

 

 

 

 

From here we walked back following the water course until we reached the Tiles Channel. This was completed in 1775 and the scenes on the tiles depict hunting and landscape scenes.

We made our way around the east side of the gardens and exited through part of the palace.

As we left the palace we could also see the lovely Torre do Relógio de Queluz and the Military Base.

All in all we enjoyed our short visit to this quiet, less popular little palace and would like to go back when the Malta Garden is completed and take the time to see the interior of the palace.