CULTURE Minister, Maria João Bustorff, has signed a protocol to restore the gardens of Queluz National Palace, which date back to the 18th century. The protocol is shared between the Portuguese Institute of Architectural Patrimony (IPPAR) and the World Monuments Fund. The project will focus on the repair and maintenance of the irrigation system in the gardens, which IS frequently compared to the gardens in the Palace of Versailles. The partnership will also secure funds to restore the gardens’ bronze statues, sculpted by English artist John Cheere. The restoration programme, which will last four years, has the support of Portugal’s First Lady, Maria José Ritta, who is president of the project.
