Who could have imagined such opulence? We are standing before the Palácio dos Condes da Calheta. It’s also known as Palácio Calheta, Palácio do Páttio das Vacas, and Museu Agrícola Tropical. This grand palace in Lisbon’s Belém parish has a rich history. D. João Gonçalves da Câmara, the fourth count of Calheta, first commissioned its construction in the mid-17th century. This palace has witnessed significant historical events. During the reign of D. José, it housed the State secretariats and the Military Archive. Imagine the hushed whispers, the secrets exchanged within these walls. The palace even served as the site for interrogations following the attempted assassination of King D. José in 1758. In 1916, the palace took on a new role. It became home to the Colonial Agricultural Museum, which later evolved into the Tropical Agricultural Garden-Museum. Today, the Palácio dos Condes da Calheta stands as a testament to Portugal’s layered past. It has been meticulously preserved, showcasing elegant 17th and 18th-century architecture. The palace even boasts a unique collection of wood samples, known as Xiloteca, housed on its upper floor. Isn’t it fascinating how a single building can embody centuries of history? The Palácio dos Condes da Calheta, from its grand beginnings as a nobleman’s residence to its role in shaping Portugal’s understanding of its colonial past, stands as a silent sentinel. It whispers stories of intrigue, power, and the passage of time.
Adventure Park Pinhal da Paiã
Ready to unleash your inner Tarzan? At Adventure Park Pinhal da Paiã adventure awaits. Inaugurated in August 2011 this park