Rebeira Palace in Lisbon, was the royal palace of Portugal, build by King Manual I. In 1755 disastrous earthquake in Lisbon totally razed the palace to the ground and destroyed it. The Rebeira Palace was once located in Praca do Comercio, which today is a famous square of Lisbon.
The building of Rebeira Palace
The Rebeira Palace built by King Manual I has a long and interesting history. Earlier the Kings of Portugal use to stay at the Lisbon Castle, which was at the top of a high hill in the Alfama neighborhood. The 15th and the early 16th century was the age of discovery and Lisbon was gaining popularity as a maritime city. Trade and industry were flourishing. Africa and India were the main trading partners of Portugal. In order, to stay closer to the industrial heart of the city King Manual expressed his ardent desire to build a palace on the banks of the Tagus River. The magnificent building totally changed the urban landscape of the city.
Finally, the Rebeira Palace was completed in 1511. The shipbuilding area known as Ribeira das Naus was close to the palace. Important offices like customs and all were also located near the palace. They were responsible for controlling and laying out regulations of trade by sea.
Rebeira Palace – its facades and interiors
The magnificent palace building was built on a vast area of land lying on the west bank of the river. Today, it is known as Praca do Comercio and is a busy commercial district of Lisbon. Portuguese late Gothic
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style was used to create and build this architectural marvel. Several arched galleries evoked an aura of renaissance. Private beautiful garden of the palace was growing a variety of fruit and vegetable plants. The tower of Ribiera Palace, which was close to the Taugus River, was turned into a terrace overlooking the shipbuilding area and the sea.
The beautiful façade of Ribiera Palace was altered by many Kings. When King Philip II of Spain occupied Portugal, he ordered a construction of a new tower. Designed by the famous Italian architect Felipe Terzi, the tower was built in a classical mannerist style, dominating the skyline. The Royal Library was formed inside this tower. The palace was given a makeover in a classical mannerist style.
King John V also made his contributions to the Ribeira Palace. An additional wing was added to the palace, built parallel to the previous one. The manueline chapel was reconstructed into a baroque church. Later on, King Jose I with the help of an Italian designer named Giuseppe Bibiena built a Royal Opera House.
On November 1, 1755 there was a massive earthquake, which gave rise to the tsunami. As the palace was near the sea it was razed to the ground both by the Tsunami and fire. The royal family decided to move away from the Ribiera area.
Today, in the Pombalin Commerce Square or the Praca do Comercio two towers at the corner of the square are the only remnants of the magnificent Ribeira palace, which was the home to Portuguese royal family for several years.
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