Strategically placed on the top of the hill of Ajuda the Palace of Ajuda became the official residence of the Portuguese royal family from 1861 until the end of the monarchy (1910). Stage of history and court cerimonies, it is the only royal palace open to the public in Lisbon which still faithfully preserves the original arrangemet and decoration of the 19^th century. Enjoying an exceptional view over the river Tagus, the Palace presents important collections of 18^th and 19^th century decorative arts as well as painting and sculpture featuring authores as El Greco, Greuze, Géricault among others.