the dwelling was renovated between 1816 and 1821 to accommodate the luxurious tastes of the portuguese royal family - this affluent lifestyle is also evident in the palace's gardens. the garden has hardly changed with the times and there are still many classical elements on display - tree-lined dells, waterfalls, grottos, and a temple of apollo all lie hidden in this urban sanctuary.

many locals come here to relax on the weekends, enjoy picnics, or play sports with family and friends - the city's  zoological garden is also on the same site and home to over 2000 species of animal.