Queluz Palace, with its gardens, statues and fountains, is reminiscent of Versailles. It is home to a valuable collection of decorative art, including Portuguese furniture, Arraiolos carpets, royal portraits, Chinese and European porcelain and jewellery.

The rooms have an intimate feel, and are decorated with gilded woodcarvings and paintings, finely illustrating the evolution in taste from the second half of the 18th century to the first quarter of the 19th century, passing from the rococo to the neoclassical style.

The Palace is part of a much larger estate that includes French-style geometric gardens, annexes to the old kitchen that have been converted into the renowned Cozinha Velha restaurant, and the Royal Guard’s barracks, which have been converted into the Pousada de Queluz.

These days, the palace is host to frequent concerts and regularly welcomes heads of state, government officials and diplomats.

And at the open-air riding school, between April and October, visitors can see a performance by the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art.