Statue of Maria I of Portugal

The Statue of Maria I in Queluz is a sculptural monument standing in the forecourt of the National Palace of Queluz, a short ride west of central Lisbon. It honours the queen who lived at the palace and ruled Portugal in the late 18th century. The forecourt is open to everyone, so you can see the monument without a palace ticket.

Who does the monument portray?

The central figure is Queen Maria I of Portugal on a tall pedestal. Four allegorical figures surround her, standing for Europe, Asia, Africa and America. Together they point to the reach of the Portuguese crown overseas. The monument also recalls institutions and buildings tied to her reign, among them the Estrela Basilica, the Casa Pia charity school and the naval academy.

Who made it, and why is it in Queluz?

The sculptor was João José de Aguiar, and the work was commissioned in 1794 by Pina Manique, Lisbon's police intendant. It was meant for the square in front of the Estrela Basilica in Lisbon. It ended up at Queluz only in the 20th century; one Parques de Sintra document gives 1944 as the year it was set up here. That detour is part of its charm: a monument made for one city square that found a different home.

What will you see on site?

• The queen on her plinth, ringed by four allegorical sculptures.
• Stone steps and decorative metalwork that complete the composition.
• Behind you, the curved forecourt and symmetrical wings of the palace, which make a good backdrop for photos.

Parques de Sintra, which manages the site, has been conserving the monument. The work covers the sculptures, plinths, steps and metal elements, and includes rebuilding missing fingers on the figures in stone that matches the original. Parts may be screened off while work continues.

How do you get there?

Queluz belongs to the municipality of Sintra and sits within the Lisbon urban area. The easiest way is the Sintra line train from Lisbon to Queluz-Belas station, followed by a walk to the palace. By car it takes roughly a quarter of an hour from the city centre, and the statue is visible as soon as you enter the palace square.

When should you visit?

The monument is in an open space, so it can be seen year-round. Morning and late afternoon give the best light for photos of the facade and figures. Pair the stop with a visit to the rococo palace and its gardens, with their fountains and the Lions' Staircase.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a ticket to see the statue? No. It stands in the palace forecourt, which can be viewed without entering the building.

What do the four figures around the queen mean? They represent four continents: Europe, Asia, Africa and America, reflecting the scope of the Portuguese empire.

Why isn't the statue in Lisbon? It was commissioned for the square before the Estrela Basilica, but was installed in front of the Queluz palace in the 20th century.

Who looks after the monument? Parques de Sintra, which runs the palace and gardens of Queluz and carries out conservation on the monument.