Lisbon's Astronomical Observatory

The official legal time in Portugal was established by this observatory, commissioned by King Pedro V, with a privileged location for astronomical observations. The need to accommodate very specific astronomical instruments gave this magnificent example of scientific architecture a strong technical character. Its design – by Jean Colson, together with José da Costa Sequeira and Valentim José Corrêa – is based on the Pulkovo Observatory in Russia, but is richer and takes advantage of the special urban environment of Tapada da Ajuda. Its scientific and historical importance, as well as its archives, collections and library, are unparalleled in the country, and its heritage in situ was recognised as a Property of Public Interest in 2002 and has been part of MUHNAC-ULISBOA since 2012.