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"Arriving in Lisbon, one is greeted by a breath of Atlantic air, a myriad of colorful houses interspersed with jacaranda blossoms," says the Marquise de Ravenel, one of the city’s insiders who will open her beautiful home to travelers on Indagare’s Lisbon Unlocked: An Insider Journey with Architectural Digest this September. Hosted by Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley and Gay Gassmann, Architectural Digest’s Contributing Editor based in Europe, the special architecture- and design-focused trip will reveal what makes this city so stylish yet authentic, as top curators, artists and foodies lead the group through hidden doors to explore world-class cuisine, UNESCO World Heritage sites, treasures of artisanal craftsmanship and palatial houses that once belonged to Portuguese royalty.Here, some of these insiders share what makes Lisbon so special—and why you should go now. Learn More and Book Now: Go behind the scenes with these amazing local insiders during our Insider Journey to Lisbon (September 9-14, 2019).
Jackie’s husband, Jean-Charles de Ravenel, is an acclaimed French collage artist and art collector. Their five children include the popular designer Rebecca de Ravenel.
In Her Words: “Some of my Lisbon favorites are the amazing Palacio de la Fronteira; the English Cemetery (especially when it is covered with purple prunus flowers); the National Tile Museum; and the Rua San Bento, an antiques street full of amazing finds. There is also some fun shopping in the Principe Real and a fabulous linen shop, Principe Real Enxovais, which is a must.”
“The food in Lisbon is delicious, and one of my favorite seafood restaurants is Aqui Ha Pesce, as well as the trendy JNcQUOI.”
“Nearby Sintra is the most romantic of towns and should not be missed. The Monserrate Palace there has one of the best gardens in Europe and so much to see. Driving back from Sintra, you can stop at a fabulous restaurant called the Azenhas do Mar, in a village of the same name that is all painted white.”
Follow Jackie on Instagram @jackiederavenel.
Where You’ll Meet:
A private tour and traditional lunch at the Cadaval family home, Casa Cadaval, located in Estoril and designed by Peter Harden and Jacques Grange. You will also be welcomed by Diana in Évora—a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “museum city”—for an invitation-only luncheon at the magnificent, centuries-old Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval, which served as a royal residence and today houses manuscripts, family portraits and religious art from the 16th century.
Did You Know? Diana de Cadaval is the author of five books focused on the lives, loves and palaces of royal Portuguese women and other European queens.
In Her Words: “In the past few years, Portugal has become a trendy country, and so we have friends that have invested in real estate and have been doing a great job in bringing these places back to their original, glamorous state—palaces and convents that had been abandoned for years and were almost in ruins. To see that palaces that were at risk of disappearing forever have been saved is a miracle for our history and fills my heart with joy. The city is transforming itself and the young generation is dynamic and creative.”
Follow Diana on Instagram @dianadecadaval.
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