Friday, June 20, 2014

Palácio dos Arcos



This 18th century palace facing the Tagus Estuary mouth at Paço de Arcos is an accurate replica of the original building which dated back to the late 15th century, from whose balcony King Manuel I watched the Vasco da Gama's caravell fleet leave on the first journey to India in 1497.

The building has recently been under restoration and it's transformed into a luxury hotel now. Of course I'm glad the palace has been restored but check this post and tell me if it hasn't lost part of its charm.

17 comments:

cieldequimper said...

Well yes, there was a shabby charm to it... :-) But as you say, it is good that it has found a new life, though perhaps a museum about India and the Western Africa coast would have been nice...

Dina said...

Yeah, it is a little TOO nice now. But either way, what a history!

Arija said...

It looks splendid in al it's hotel-like spend our and perfection but I must agree with you, it is just a little too perfect and some of the charm has gone.
If you are anywhere near Castelo de Evoramonte in the next three weeks, you could take in my daughter, India Flint's, exhibition there. I would not mention it if I did not know you are interested in art.

Tanya Breese said...

i do love both versions but agree with you...and wow, what a history!

Sharon said...

I see what you mean but, at least it has a new life. The history of this location is amazing. I was really struck the the beautiful yellow against that gorgeous blue sky.

Sylvia K said...

Yes, I agree with the others, a little too perfect now, but what a history!! Awesome! Terrific post as always, Jose! Have a great weekend!

TexWisGirl said...

bright and beautiful.

VP said...

A bit too bright, but we live in a very imperfect world and everything is better than a decaying historical building...

RedPat said...

At least it will have a longer life now! It will regain some charm through the years.

Lowell said...

I don't know about losing charm. The other photo shows a pretty beat-up building and this restoration is very nice. The historical info is what I liked...and I can see in my mind King Manual I looking out to see that famous explorer leave on that very significant journey!

Anonymous said...

It does look a little too bright, but it's nice that it's been restored. Many more people will be able to enjoy its charm.

William Kendall said...

I think the building as was, it was pretty beaten up. It might have been restored a bit too much, but this gives it fresh life.

Randy said...

Nice sunshine yellow.

Babzy.B said...

i like the vivid color and the old one too :)

Sami said...

It's nice that the building has been restored, I just think that yellow a bit too bright...At least it now has a new lease on life as an hotel.

biebkriebels said...

Oh, I agree with you, the restoration is done to much. The palace has lost all his characteristic images. That is sad they ruin these things only for tourists and money.

Jack said...

Many of your readers seem to like shabby buildings, at risk of falling down. I think it looks great in its restored state. Shabby buildings are good for photographing, but renovated buildings are good for living.