Ceremonial armchair, known as have belonged to King Afonso V

Originating from the Franciscan convent of Santo António
do Varatojo in Torres Vedras, founded in 1470 by Afonso V
(1438-1481), this armchair is one of the oldest known examples
of Portuguese furniture. Associated with the king by the
chroniclers of this religious order, it is an imposing piece with
an orthogonal structure, carved with architectural motifs.
The fact that it was kept in the same place for five centuries
must be understood as a way of preserving the memory of
the convent’s royal foundation: the “Chair of State” goes far
beyond its functional purpose and is endowed with heavy
symbolism relating to the exercise of royal power.