Banqueting Hall
The Ducal Palace was built during the first half of the 15th century. However, information regarding that century on the interior design is not completely reliable.
From the 1930’s to the 1950’s, the Ducal Palace was rebuilt based on the remains of the building that was, at that time, in ruins. However, it was important to think about how it had been structured.
After the reconstruction works were completed, the Commission whose aim was to furnish the building, decided to decorate this Hall as if it was a Banqueting Hall. Considering that the building is the Official Residence of the Portuguese President in the North of the country important Receptions took place here on several occasions.
Upon entering this hall, one is drawn to the grandeur of the space, the inverted boat-shaped ceiling, the enormous table (formed by several tables together) and the Pastrana tapestry depicting the assault on Asilah.
Here one will find a collection of objects, generally related to the table and the items that would have adorned the space where the dining table was placed. It is not a representation of a chamber from the 15th century, but rather a recreation of a dining space featuring a collection of objects produced, generally speaking, between the 17th and 18th centuries.
Among the objects on display, tinware stands out – including jugs, platters (large plates), pitchers (vessels used for serving and drinking liquids, mostly wine) and candlesticks used to illuminate spaces. Two terrines are also on display – one produced in Portugal and the other in China, very common pieces in 18th century table settings – as well as several Portuguese and Spanish earthenware plates.
One should also mind the paintings and various pieces of furniture produced in Portugal in the 17th and 18th centuries: tables, cabinets, chests and stools.
Lastly, but no less importantly, one should be drawn to another Pastrana Tapestry depicting “The Assault on Asilah”. The designation “Pastrana Tapestries” comes from the fact that they are unique copies of the late 15th-century tapestries housed in the Parish Tapestry Museum of Pastrana (Spain). This series narrates the conquest of the North African city of Asilah in 1471 (depicted in three tapestries) and the capture of Tangier (one tapestry), which took place during the reign of King Afonso V of Portugal. It is most likely a royal commission produced in one of the Flemish manufacturing centres (Tournai, Belgium) in the third quarter of the 15th century. It has been suggested that «the tapestries would have taken between three to five years to complete, with four looms operating simultaneously and sixteen to twenty weavers» (Maria Antónia Quina). This is a unique work of its kind in Europe and in the world, depicting with historical accuracy the military events that occurred, which are also corroborated by documentation.