AJUDA PALACE + LX FACTORY + AJUDA BOTANICAL GARDEN

NATIONAL PALACE OF AJUDA

In the first half of the 18th century, King John V planned to build a summer residence in Ajuda hill. The building of this Royal Palace in this place, however, would take place only after the Earthquake of 1755 which destroyed the royal residence, Paço da Ribeira (Ribeira Palace), at the Terreiro do Paço (Palace Public Square). On King José I 's initiative, the Royal Palace of Ajuda was built on the grounds acquired by his father firstly as a wooden building - commonly known as the Real Barraca (the Royal Hut) which burned to the ground in 1794 - and then as the Palace as it is nowadays.

Although this palace was never completed as planned due to the exile of the royal family in Brazil caused by the French invasion of Portugal, it is still one of Europe's most perfect romantic buildings.

Its interior is richly filled with furniture, tapestries, statues, and extravagant decorative arts, the result of unprecedented wealth in the 1700s when diamonds were discovered in the then Portuguese colony of Brazil.

Of note is the ceiling in the Winter Garden that was a gift from the Viceroy of Egypt, the Music Room and its precious oriental porcelain from the Ch'ien period, the Ballroom, and the Ambassadors' Room. But the most impressive are the enormous Throne Room corresponding to the entire south wing, and the Dining Room and its crystal chandeliers, silk-covered chairs, and allegory of the birth of King João VI on the frescoed ceiling. Visitors should also note the interesting collection of clocks throughout the palace and the dinner service that is one of the few European royal services to remain completely intact.

At the main entrance are 23 marble statues, each representing a certain attribute such as generosity and gratitude, and across from the façade is a monument dedicated to King Carlos and a church tower that is all that remains of the demolished Church of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda.

AJUDA BOTANICAL GARDEN

Located north of the Coach Museum (one of the most visited museums in Lisbon) in the Belem district, the Ajuda Botanical Garden enjoys the reputation of being the oldest botanical garden in Portugal. It was originally founded as part of the domain of the Ajuda National Palace, by title of Royal Botanical Garden. The construction works started in the mid 18th century, more exactly, in 1755, but the official date of the inauguration remains 1768.

Lx Factory

A factory complex from 1846 was reborn in 2008 as a "factory" of creativity and experiences. It kept the industrial spaces and invited companies related to the arts, which later brought shops, cafés and restaurants. Today there’s a little bit of everything, from fashion to books, to vintage furniture and contemporary design, next to dining options that include pizza, sushi and burgers, in addition to the more creative cuisine. The interiors maintain many of the old pieces, while most of the façades are covered in street art.

PESTANA PALACE

( HOTEL & NATIONAL MONUMENT )

Let yourself be swept away by the romance and elegance of Lisbon's Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel & National Monument. A 19th-century palace that has been restored to its original glory, the hotel is an architectural marvel, its ornate ironwork, gilt-covered paneling, and coffered ceilings perfectly complemented by distinctive classical furnishings and opulent fabrics, making you feel like royalty.

Lisbon's historical landmarks are just a short tram ride away, but with all the hotel has to offer, you'll be tempted to stay in. Savor refined versions of traditional Portuguese dishes in the Valle Flor Restaurant. Have tea in the Oriental pavilion. Wander through the lush gardens, so exceptional and extensive that they've been classified as a National Monument, or lounge by the spectacular pool and take in the views over the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril Bridge.

The Pestana Palace Hotel & National Monument enjoys a quiet location in Lisbon, in the area known as Alto Santo Amaro. Yet a short drive will take you to the best beaches of the coast of Estoril, Cascais and the fairy-tale palaces and castles of Sintra.

Lisbon’s hustle and bustle, all its museums, many restaurants, bars, pavement cafés and busy nightlife is a mere 15 minute away either by public transportation or by taxi, never too expensive. The “Docas” of Santo Amaro is a well-known area in which to enjoy Lisbon’s exuberant nightlife.

GPS Coordinates: Latitude N 38º 42.246 Longitude W 9º 11.216

Also located near the Hotel, is Belém, home to the most significant historical treasures in Lisbon. Here you will find 16th century architecture, such as the Manueline styled Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Torre de Belém and glorious Padrão dos Descobrimentos. The prestigious Centro Cultural de Belém is the largest building in the country devoted to cultural facilities and is also located in the area, as well as the Casa Pastéis de Belém, where the famous pastries are made.

In order to make your visit the best experience possible, the Pestana Palace provides a shuttle for its guests, to make sure you don’t miss a thing. The shuttle will make various stops throughout Lisbon’s most appealing and relevant sites, and will give you the opportunity to obtain other amazing views of this one-of-a kind city, that will surely rise beyond your highest expectations.

Some of Portugal’s best Golf courses are also a short drive from the Pestana Palace hotel as well as many other facilities to help make the most out of your trip whether it is pleasure or business related.

Lisbon International Airport is just 10 km away.

Pestana Palace Hotel & National Monument

Rua Jau, 54

1300-314

Lisboa, Portugal

Email: guest@pestana.com

Tel: (+351) 213 615 600

PÁTEO ALFACINHA

Lisbon Pateo is a venue with a very typical soul from the old Lisbon, a multifaceted venue that can host up to 900 people. This space can be rented in totality and in exclusivity or just parcial, according to your needs.

Lisbon Pateo also has a very traditional restaurant " A Horta", with fishes and meats on the grill with amazing views to the Tagus river in Lisbon.

http://www.pateoalfacinha.com/index2.asp#!/

HOW TO GET THERE

Páteo Alfacinha

Rua do Guarda Joias, nº44, 1300-294 Lisboa

Phones:

Email:

Reservations: (+351) 213 642 171 or (+351) 911 188 740

Events: (+351) 911 188 755

Offices: (+351) 919 596 671

comercial@pateoalfacinha.com

BOA HORA CHURCH

WHERE: Largo da Boa Hora à Ajuda- Ajuda

This church replaced a convent that was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. It was founded in 1758 but was almost completely rebuilt in the 1870s.
Inside are four chapels and an 18th-century organ but most noteworthy are the tiles that cover the walls.

GETTING THERE:

Bus 732 from Cais do Sodré