Abandoned Great Palace in Portugal
The Abandoned Great Palace you might be referring to is likely the Palácio da Pena, although it’s not exactly “abandoned” in the traditional sense. However, it’s one of the most notable historic sites in Portugal that may fit a similar description because of its location and the somewhat remote feel of the surrounding area.
Palácio da Pena (Pena Palace)
Location: Sintra, near Lisbon, Portugal.
Historical Background: Originally built in the 16th century as a monastery, it was later transformed into a royal palace in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II. The palace has a distinctive and eclectic architectural style, combining Gothic, Moorish, Manueline, and Renaissance influences.
The palace fell into disuse after the abolition of the Portuguese monarchy in 1910. Though it was never entirely abandoned, it has had periods where its maintenance was neglected, and it was closed off for repairs. Since the 1990s, it has been extensively restored and is now one of Portugal’s most visited landmarks.
Palácio de Monserrate
Another possibility could be Palácio de Monserrate, also in Sintra, which has a similar history of neglect and restoration.
Location: Sintra, Portugal.
History: The palace was originally built in the 19th century by Sir Francis Cook, a British merchant. After Cook’s death, the palace fell into disrepair and was mostly abandoned. It was restored in the 20th century and is now a major tourist attraction.
Both of these palaces have experienced periods of abandonment and disrepair but are no longer abandoned in the traditional sense and have become highly significant sites in Portugal’s cultural history.
If you’re referring to something even more hidden or forgotten, there are many lesser-known abandoned palaces and estates throughout Portugal, but they may not be as famous or are in more remote areas. Let me know if you’re thinking of something different!
1. Palácio de São Marcos (Palace of St. Mark)
Location: Braga, Northern Portugal.
History: Built in the 16th century, this palace served as a residence for the nobility and was later used as a military barracks. After the establishment of the Portuguese Republic in 1910, it was abandoned for a time, though it’s not completely forgotten. The building is now in a state of dilapidation, with some parts still in use by the military, but others left to decay.
Current Status: Though not entirely abandoned, the palace is largely closed to the public and slowly falling into ruin.
2. Palácio do Bucaco (Palace of Buçaco)
Location: Near the Buçaco Forest, central Portugal.
History: Originally a convent, this building was transformed into a luxurious palace in the late 19th century by the last Portuguese king, King Carlos I. The palace is surrounded by a lush forest and was intended to be a royal summer residence. After the fall of the monarchy in 1910, it fell into disrepair and was abandoned for many years.
Current Status: The building is now a hotel, having been carefully restored, though remnants of its original neglect can still be seen in certain sections.
3. Palácio da Alvorada (Alvorada Palace)
Location: Near Porto, Northern Portugal.
History: Constructed in the late 19th century, this palace was home to wealthy families before being left to deteriorate in the 20th century. Its grandiose structure, featuring high ceilings and ornate detailing, still stands, though many parts of the property are now in ruins.
Current Status: The palace is largely abandoned but remains an impressive, albeit dilapidated, building.
4. Palácio de Seteais (Seteais Palace)
Location: Sintra, Portugal.
History: Built in the 18th century, this palace was a luxurious residence for the Dutch consul. The palace was once a grand place, but after the fall of the monarchy, it became less significant and eventually deteriorated. While not completely abandoned, it was neglected for a time before being restored and turned into a luxury hotel.
Current Status: The building is currently a 5-star hotel, but some areas of the estate remain locked off to the public, holding onto the remnants of its old grandeur.
5. Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira (Palace of the Marquesses of Fronteira)
Location: Lisbon, Portugal.
History: Built in the 16th century by the Marquesses of Fronteira, this palace is an example of the Portuguese nobility’s lavish lifestyle. While it’s largely still maintained and open to the public, portions of the property are not well-visited and feel abandoned.
Current Status: A significant part of the estate is still in use, but other areas appear neglected, adding to the feeling of isolation in parts of the palace grounds.
6. Palácio do Ramalhão (Ramalhão Palace)
Location: Sintra, Portugal.
History: A smaller and lesser-known palace near the historic town of Sintra, this building was originally built in the 18th century. Over the years, it has suffered from neglect and periods of abandonment. Some rooms are still in remarkably good shape, but others are slowly falling into ruin.
Current Status: This building is largely abandoned and not open to the public, though it’s a notable site for anyone interested in exploring lesser-known abandoned places.
7. Palácio da Regaleira (Regaleira Palace)
Location: Sintra, Portugal.
History: Although not abandoned in the strictest sense, Palácio da Regaleira has an air of mystery due to its isolated location and eccentric design. Built in the late 19th century by wealthy Brazilian businessman António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, the palace is surrounded by a dense, overgrown garden with secret tunnels, wells, and hidden spaces. It has a fairytale-like atmosphere, and parts of it seem forgotten by time, despite being a tourist attraction today.
Current Status: Open to the public, but the sense of abandonment in parts of its vast grounds (such as the grottoes and tunnels) still lingers.
8. Palácio da Vitória
Location: Near Coimbra, Portugal.
History: Built in the 18th century, this once-grand palace was the residence of wealthy Portuguese nobles. It was abandoned in the 20th century and has been left to decay for many years.
Current Status: The building is largely in ruin, and though it’s still standing, it remains off the tourist radar, making it an eerie, forgotten site.
9. Palácio de Conde de Óbidos (Palace of the Count of Óbidos)
Location: Lisbon, Portugal.
History: A large 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Count of Óbidos, it is located on the outskirts of Lisbon. After the 1910 revolution, it was abandoned and left in disrepair.
Current Status: The palace is in a state of ruin, with significant portions of the building having fallen to neglect, but it still stands as a reminder of the grandeur it once had.
10. Palácio do Visconde de Juromenha (Viscount of Juromenha Palace)
Location: Juromenha, southern Portugal, near the Spanish border.
History: This palace was built in the 18th century and was once the residence of the Viscount of Juromenha. After the fall of the monarchy and several wars, the building was abandoned, and it has been in a state of decay for over a century.
Current Status: Today, the building is largely abandoned, with only a few parts still standing. It’s not open to the public but offers a haunting glimpse into the past.
These abandoned palaces and estates, while sometimes forgotten or ignored by mainstream tourism, offer an eerie and fascinating look into Portugal’s rich history and architectural heritage. Some of them may still be off the beaten path, but they capture the spirit of a bygone era, with the romance of decay and mystery.
