Montserrate Palace (Part 2)
The Palace of Monserrate has a central body and two symmetrical side wings, joined together through a series of halls and a central gallery onto which the buildingβs various rooms open. Outside, before entering the terrace overlooking the lawn in front of the palace, the visitor is welcomed by the Triton Fountain, which has the faΓ§ade of the palaceβs south tower as its backdrop.
The gallery is the corridor linking the palaceβs various rooms and towers, completely covered by a Moorish pattern of relief stucco work. The long row of arches marks the rhythm of the columns and heightens the effect produced by perspective and the natural lighting. Placed in the centre and marking out the area of the main hall was the Renaissance fountain.Β In the past, the gallery was decorated with plaster replicas of classical sculptures and authentic pieces set amid flower pots covered with Hispanic-Moorish tiles, which transposed the luxuriant green of the gardens to the interior of the palace.Β
Dating from before Gerard de Vismeβs neo-Gothic palace, this stately circular room occupies the buildingβs north tower. Its windows offer a dramatic view across the hills all the way to the sea. Its great attraction is the harmonious proportions that it exhibits between the floor plan and the dome, decorated with gilded floral motifs. The frieze is enlivened with representations of muses and graces.
All photos Β©2016 Narcisse Navarre
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