Despite the long weeks of filming in the region, the film has only two very short scenes shot in the capital... We almost come to regret it, so much lisboet atmosphere fits perfectly James Bond's universe.
During the the sequence, as singular as it is poetic, from the Bond and Tracy promenade after the arena scene, the film takes us into two emblematic places in Lisbon.
Ballad in the gardens – Palácio Marquesses da Fronteira (Lisbon)
Loyalty: ★★★★ – Access: ★☆☆
This is only when our last day in the city that we went to visit this particularly eccentric field. However, we were not alone, and we were even able to benefit froma visit in French.
Originally, the scene had to be shot in a vineyard in the suburbs of Lisbon, Ramada. The emerging romance between Bond and Tracy was to be observed by an unexpected witness, as described in the scenario: « A curious little white goat sneaks through a breach in the wall and observes them. »
Finally, it is a black cat which was chosen, and the scenes — day and night — were shot in the enclosed gardens of the Palácio dos Marquesses da Fronteira, located in the northwest suburbs of Lisbon, at São Domingos de Benfica, not far from the famous Estádio da Luz SL Benfica.
Built in the years 1600the residence includes of magnificent gardens , approved by fountains, statues and adorned terracesThe visit takes place in two stages: first inside, in the form of guided tour, where we discovered beautiful azulejos, these decorated ceramic tiles that make the fame of the Portuguese capital. The Palácio dos Marquesses da Fronteira are known worldwide and are sometimes referred to as « Sistine tile chapel ».
In a second stage, we were able to freely access the gardens. Although it is distinguished from these urban and the skyscrapers of modern Lisbon, Peter Hunt choice of camera angles which completely mask the fact that the gardens are in the heart of the capital.
It's easy to find all the planes present in the sequence, and the place of the famous promotional photo.
A parenthesis out of time, and a truly soothing place.
Bond and Tracy choose an alliancec – Praça do Rossio (Lisbon)
Loyalty: ★★★★ – Access: ★☆☆
Earlier in the stay, we took advantage of a visit from the beautiful Lisbon to make a stop at the Joalharia Ferreira Brandslocated on the Praça do Rossio, the central square of the city. Ornamental two beautiful fountains, lined with many lively cafes and dining points, this place remains a place of passage.
Jewellery, founded in 1926, is a Lisbon historic house, specialised in traditional Portuguese goldsmith's pieces. It appears to two times in On Her Majesty, in sequences shot on the same day, early May 1969, by the first team. A scene showed the bride and groom inside the store, but only the images of the manager taking the ring were used in the final film.
After two days of filming devoted to the death of Tracy in the Serra de Arrábida, the team changed scenery to meet in the centre of Lisbon. There is a rumour that another scene was shot, showing the reflection of Irma Bunt in the window, but nothing confirms it to date...
If we put aside the crowd often present on the square, it is very easy to reproduce the film's drawings in photo. And not to spoil anything, we can still stop in a authentic place For lunch, away from the Starbucks and McDonalds... and enjoy for only a few euros.
• The Making Of the The On Her Majesty
• On The Tracks Of 007 – Martin Muller and Dirk Koosterboer
• Googlemaps
• https://fronteira-alorna.pt
This blog shares my travel experiences, from unavoidable destinations to the most original and exclusive places. Each article is the result of careful work and a real time investment. If you use this information elsewhere or for your own adventures, consider citing your sources and thanking – that's what I do myself, and it's always fun.
Julien Abauzit (JaBoz)
