The monks of the Convento de Santa Cruz do Buçaco not only built a convent but also created a luxurious garden with many species of trees.

Late in the century there were plans to turn the ancient convent into a royal residence for Queen Maria Pia, wife of King Luís I.

The Buçaco Palace is inspired in iconic Manueline buildings like the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, both located in Lisbon.

Manini was succeeded by Nicola Bigaglia, José Alexandre Soares and Manuel Joaquim Norte Júnior, the latter responsible for the annex Casa dos Brasões (House of the Coat-of-Arms).

The inner rooms are richly decorated with Neo-Manueline portals and stucco work imitating Manueline rib vaulting, being also an important showcase of Portuguese painting and sculpture of the early 20th century.