The Blazons Hall, also known as the Sala dos Brasões, is a grand chamber located in the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, a historic palace located in the town of Sintra, Portugal. The hall is renowned for its elaborately decorated ceiling, which features intricate hunting scenes and the armorial bearings of 72 noble Portuguese families.
The Palácio Nacional de Sintra was originally built in the 14th century as a residence for the King of Portugal, and it has since undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the centuries. The Blazons Hall was added to the palace complex in the early 15th century, during the reign of King João I. It was initially used as a space for royal banquets and other grand events.
The importance of the Blazons Hall is primarily due to its remarkable ceiling decoration, which was completed in the 16th century. The ceiling is divided into several sections that depict various hunting scenes, including chases on horseback and hunting with falcons. The scenes are framed by intricate decorative patterns and motifs, and they are intertwined with the armorial bearings of 72 noble Portuguese families.
The armorial bearings, or blazons, are elaborate symbols that represent the lineage and status of noble families. They typically include a shield, a crest, and various other decorative elements that convey the family’s history and achievements. In the Blazons Hall, the blazons are arranged in a symmetrical pattern around the edges of each hunting scene. Each noble family is represented by its own unique blazon, which features different colors, symbols, and devices.
The blazons in the Blazons Hall represent a wide range of Portuguese noble families, including the Andrade, Castro, Faria, Gama, and Mendonça families, among others. Many of these families were prominent figures in Portuguese history, and their blazons are important symbols of the country’s heritage and cultural identity.
In addition to the blazons and hunting scenes, the ceiling of the Blazons Hall also features several stucco panels that depict various mythological and allegorical figures. These figures include Neptune, the god of the sea; Diana, the goddess of the hunt; and Minerva, the goddess of wisdom.
The decoration of the Blazons Hall reflects the opulence and grandeur of the Portuguese royal court during the 16th century. The use of elaborate hunting scenes and blazons was a common motif in European royal palaces during this time, and it was meant to convey the power and prestige of the ruling class. In addition to the Blazons Hall, the Palácio Nacional de Sintra features several other rooms and chambers that are similarly ornate and richly decorated.
Today, the Blazons Hall is a popular tourist attraction and a vital part of Portugal’s cultural heritage. It has been meticulously restored and preserved over the centuries, and it continues to inspire awe and wonder in visitors from around the world.
Posted by Paul Dykes on 2012-10-02 13:58:47