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Imagine stepping into a room that breathes the patriotic spirit of the 16th century, a time when Portuguese exploration reached its zenith. A room that embodies a delicate balance between intimacy and the projection of power, found nowhere else in Europe. Welcome to the Sala dos Brasões, a chamber that beckons you to uncover its secrets, located within the historic Sintra National Palace.
The Sala dos Brasões: Where History and Heritage Converge
Nestled within the northern facade of the palace, the Sala dos Brasões may appear modest from the outside, but it holds an awe-inspiring interior that will transport you to another era. As you enter through a characteristic Manueline-style door, you are immediately drawn into its grandeur.
The first thing that captures your attention is the soaring octagonal dome that crowns the room. Adorned with an intricate and unique decor, it sets the stage for the historical narrative that unfolds within. At its heart, against a celestial blue backdrop, soars the royal coat of arms of King Manuel I, the monarch of the age. Surrounding it are eight shields, each representing one of his eight children.
King Manuel I, who had a total of thirteen children, was depicted in the room during a specific period when he had just eight offspring. This explains the eight shields, two of which are diamond-shaped to represent the infantas, D. Isabel and D. Beatriz. These shields, each a blend of paternal and marital lineage, had blank spaces when the ceiling was first adorned, signifying that these infantas were yet to marry. Notably, one of the shields stands apart - that of the infant and prince D. Yoam, distinguished by its singular design. In Portugal and Spain, only the designated heir to the throne carries the title of prince. As D. Yoam was the likely successor to D. Manuel I, his shield bore no additional family symbols, hence its unique character.
Beneath these royal emblems, a band of majestic stags, inscribed within octagons, encircles the room. These symbols represent the nobility of Portugal, as hunting was a shared pastime among the upper class. The stags bear 72 shields, each commemorating a prominent noble family from the reign of D. Manuel I, including those of Vasco da Gama and Pedro Álvares Cabral. Adorning the room, an inscription reads, "Pois com esforços leais serviços foram ganhados com estas e outras tais devem ser conservadas" - a testament to the king's gratitude towards these families for their support upon his ascension to the throne.
Azulejos and the Artistic Evolution
The Sala dos Brasões presents a striking departure from the usual palace decor. Its walls feature blue and white azulejos, typical of the 17th and 18th centuries, a period known as the "azulejo revolution" in Portugal. These azulejos resemble paintings, depicting scenes from the daily lives of noble families, from joyful dances to aristocrats hunting and riding horses. Remarkably, these azulejos appeared after D. Manuel I's reign, with D. Pedro II responsible for their installation.
In contrast to these later tiles, the Manueline-era azulejos boasted a palette of five colors, including white, green, orange/yellow, blue, and black/purple.
A Room Steeped in History and Majesty
Once, the floor of the Sala dos Brasões was paved with marble-like stone, smooth and compact. Today, it has been replaced with traditional tiling, offering a different but equally captivating texture.
The Sala dos Brasões stands as a testament to King D. Manuel I's enduring contribution to the Sintra National Palace. This room, a throne to Portugal's global conquests, pays homage to the families that aided the nation's prosperity. With its geometric perfection, strict orientation along cardinal points, and heraldic decoration, it embodies centralized power and the absolutism of the state.
As you stand beneath the radiant central dome, it's as if the king himself is asserting his divine representation on Earth. The nobles, arrayed around him in an orderly fashion, bask in his luminous presence.
The Sala dos Brasões is not just a room; it's a portal to a time when Portugal was at the height of its maritime prowess, a reminder of the nobility's contributions, and a treasure trove of art and history waiting to be discovered. So, the next time you visit Sintra National Palace, let the Sala dos Brasões transport you back in time, and may you find yourself immersed in the rich tapestry of Portugal's past.