Ambassadors Room

This room was formerly known as the Hall of Columns or Room of Serenades in reference to the concerts staged here for Pedro III and Maria I. The large central ceiling painting displays the royal family attending such a concert. The two dais with thrones are explained by the simultaneous presence in this room of the monarchs accompanied by the Princes of Brazil, the title bestowed on the heirs to the throne.

As from 1794, this became known as the Ambassadors Room. King João VI chose this room as the location for his audiences and hand-kissing ceremonies that took place on specific days when the nobility, members of the court and diplomatic envoys and ambassadors were summoned to the palace to kiss the hand and pay homage to the monarch.

The large Chinese porcelain vases, resting on gilded and carved wooden stands, were the reason behind this area also being known as the Room of Carving.