- Rococo architecture in Portugal
=Architecture=
The
Rococo entersPortugal through the north, whileLisbon , due to the court pomp, remains in the Baroque. It’s an architecture that follows the international taste in decoration, and, as a result of the contrast between dark granite and white walls, has a clearly Portuguese profile. The decoration is naturalist, based mainly in shells and leaves but also with architectural elements and sculpture. Pilgrimage places become fashionable, often built in places of rough prominence, allowing impressive staircases of big scenographic effect. André Soares worked in the region ofBraga , and produced some of the main examples such as Falperra Sanctuary, Congregados Church, theBraga City Hall and Casa do Raio, among many others. The number of buildings and architects is large and, because the north ofPortugal was spared from the ravages of theearthquake , there is a large number of buildings.In the south, as a result of the lower population density, the court taste and also of the consequence of the
earthquake there are fewer rococo buildings. But there still remain many examples such as theQueluz Palace . Designed by Mateus Vincent de Oliveira, it becomes the residence of the royal family under the reign of QueenD. Maria I . Made according to the French taste for prince D. Pedro, KingD. José ’s brother, it is characterized by good taste and elegance. It boasts rococo gardens and water games in a large park. The interiors are decorated with paintings, sculptures, mirrors,tile , andguilded woodcarvings . The chapel, as a result of the junction of carved wood, marble and coloured stones, reflects a classical taste unusual in the Portuguese Rococo. The building will receive subsequent extensions during the neoclassical period.Lisbon ’s main Rococo church, the Basilica da Estrela, is the last major Rococo building in the city, showing the influence ofMafra Palace / Basilica/ Convent, but has also undeniable similarities withPombaline style churches, particularly in the front. The elegant towers and dome can’t hide thePombaline style vocabulary at the façade, despite the sculpture and relieves. The interior is covered with traditional Baroque coloured marbles.ee also
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Rococo
*Guilded woodcarvings
*Queluz National Palace
*Pousada de Dona Maria, Queluz
*Pombaline style
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