Name: Vanda Matos
Position: Tavel Consultant, Clube Viajar
Village: Queluz
My Queluz ...
First "Vila", sawing me growing, playing, studying. Village since 1997, one of the most populous in the metropolitan area of Lisbon with particular and pleasant refinements of genuine and daily life, with parks to stroll and practice sports such as Mata da Matinha and Parque Urbano Felício Loureiro.
The story goes that got its name due to the mountain of light, today Monte-Abraão, hypothetical place of worship to the Sun or due to the Arabic translation for Vale das Amendoeiras.
Distant roots to be verified by the Natural Monument of Carenque with dinosaur footprints and by the Tapir of Monte-Abraão.
To speak of Queluz is to speak of its Palace and you must visit our “little Versailles” with French and Italian influences in Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical. Its gardens have dozens of statues, fountains, ponds and a cage that used to house monkeys and other exotic animals. Initially a holiday residence famous for its fireworks parties, it later became the official residence of the monarchy. It will be forever linked to D. Maria I - Rainha Pia, also known as Rainha Louca, whose homage is perpetuated with her statue in the courtyard of the Palace. Queen who originated the expression “Maria goes with the others” because due to her “madness” she was declared incapable of governing and started to live very reclusive, being only seen when she went out to walk with her ladies.
Nowadays they can attend several cultural and musical events and one of their most recent wings, Pavilhão D. Maria is used as a residence for foreign heads of state visiting Portugal.
Right in front of the Palace, you can stay at the “Pousada de Queluz”, an old complex that housed the Clock Tower and the annex building destined for the royal guard, the administration house and the stables.
Dinner at the Restaurant “Cozinha Velha”, installed in the old kitchens of the Palace of Queluz with a centuries-old chimney and a huge stone table right in the center of the room.
You can't miss the “Gaul” hamburgers yet; traditional Portuguese food reminiscent of our grandmother's at “Retiro da Mina”; as well as the delicacies of “Picanharia” and “Ciao Cuore”.
Sweet tooth: don't even think about leaving Queluz without indulging in Marianita's croissants and cream puffs, which according to the fervent Gauleses (as we are known) say they shade those in Belém!
Proudly Gaulesa!
4/16/2021
