History

Over the centuries, Salvaterra de Magos was one of the preferred hunting grounds of the royal family, due to its abundant hunting diversity, scenic proximity to Lisbon and good access through river Tejo. 

The first records of Paço de Salvaterra date back to the 14th century. In the 16th century, King D. João III offered the Paço to his brother, Infant D. Luís, Duke of Beja, an erudite prince and excellent hunter, who left his mark on the land through a chapel and gardens. Since Infant D. Luís did not leave any legitimate heirs, the property was returned to the crown.

The Bragança dynasty brought to Paço de Salvaterra a golden era. Dom Pedro II, hunter and bullfighter, treated the land with great care and his grandson, King D. José would spend his winters at Salvaterra, always accompanied by members of the royal court. Dom José was an opera lover and ordered the construction of a royal theatre, new falconry centres and a royal riding school in Paço de Salvaterra during his reign. 

D. José was often accompanied during his trips to Salvaterra by D. Pedro de Alcântara de Menezes Coutinho, 4th Marquis of Marialva and Estribeiro-Mor of the King. The 4th Marquis of Marialva was considered to be the most accomplished rider of his time, and had a crucial role in the history of portuguese equestrian art, establishing its classical rules. 

The equestrian tradition of the Marquises of Marialva was carried forward by the 8th Marquis, D. Diogo de Bragança and currently by the 10th Marquis, D. Miguel de Bragança, responsible for running the equestrian centre headquartered in the old Paço de Salvaterra stables, hence the name Lusitano Royal Stables.