La Alborada
| La Alborada | |
Palacio de la Alborada | |
| General information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Royal residence |
| Architectural style | Neo-Alexandrian |
| Location | Chambéry, Valencia |
| Current tenants | Sinchi Roca II and Queen Adelaide |
| Construction started | 1720 AN |
| Completed | 1722 AN |
| Inaugurated | 1722 AN |
| Client | Edward I of Natopia (later Edgard III) |
| Owner | Monarchy of Nouvelle Alexandrie |
| Height | 12 m |
| Dimensions | |
| Other dimensions | 150 m (length of main colonnade) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 1 |
| Floor area | 8,500 m² |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Jean-Philippe Montfort |
| Other designers | Marie-Thérèse Beaumont (gardens) |
La Alborada (Alexandrian: Palace of the Dawn) is a royal residence located in Chambéry, Valencia, Nouvelle Alexandrie. Built between 1720 AN and 1722 AN, the palace was a wedding gift to then-Prince Uturuncu, Prince of Rimarima and Crown Princess Adelaide Carrillo of Waffel-Paine from Emperor Consort Edward I of Natopia (later Edgard III, Titular Emperor of the Alexandrians) on the occasion of their marriage in 1721 AN.
Designed in the neo-Alexandrian style by architect Jean-Philippe Montfort, the single-story palace is notable for its elegant pink marble colonnades, extensive gardens, and unique blend of Alexandrian and Natopian architectural elements. The palace serves as King Sinchi Roca II's preferred private retreat and gained historical significance during the Spring Crisis of 1739, when it served as a temporary seat of royal authority.
History
Construction and Design
Construction of La Alborada began in 1720 AN under the supervision of master architect Jean-Philippe Montfort, who was commissioned by Emperor Consort Edward to create a residence that would symbolize the union between the House of Inti-Carrillo and the House of Waffel-Paine. The palace was built on a carefully selected 280-hectare site in the Valencian countryside, chosen for its views of the city of Chambéry and its environs. Montfort's design deliberately referenced both the classical Alexandrian architectural tradition and contemporary Natopian palatial styles. The palace's most distinctive feature is its grand colonnade of pink Valencian marble, which extends along the garden façade for 150 meters. The building is set on a raised platform, allowing for sweeping views of the formal gardens and surrounding landscape.
Royal Residence
Following their marriage in 1721 AN, Prince Uturuncu and Crown Princess Adelaide made La Alborada their primary private residence. After his accession as King Sinchi Roca II in 1718 AN, the palace maintained its status as a private royal retreat rather than an official state residence. The King and Queen traditionally spend several months each year at La Alborada, particularly during the spring planting season and summer months.
Role in the Spring Crisis
La Alborada gained unprecedented historical importance during the Spring Crisis of 1739, when King Sinchi Roca II was in residence during the outbreak of the coup attempt. The palace served as the King's secure base of operations during the crucial early hours of the crisis. From La Alborada's private broadcasting suite, originally installed in 1735 AN for royal communications, the King made his historic 09:00 radio address on 3.III.1739 AN, declaring the coup illegal and calling for military loyalty.
The Federal Royal Guards rapidly secured the palace and surrounding grounds, establishing a security perimeter that became the nucleus of loyal government authority in Valencia during the crisis. The palace's modern communications infrastructure and relatively secluded location proved advantageous, allowing the King to maintain contact with loyal military units and government officials while remaining secure from possible coup forces.
Architecture and Gardens
The palace complex consists of the main residence, two lateral wings, and extensive formal gardens. The main building features a central gallery running its entire length, with state rooms and private apartments arranged in parallel. The interior decoration combines Alexandrian classical motifs with traditional Wechua artistic elements, particularly in the use of gold leaf and intricate wooden carvings.
The gardens, designed by landscape architect Marie-Thérèse Beaumont, are considered masterpieces of New Alexandrian landscape design. They feature geometric French-style parterres, a series of fountains, and an extensive orangery. A notable feature is the Dawn Garden, where traditional Wechua medicinal plants are grown alongside classical Alexandrian ornamental species. The southern slopes of the estate include a 12-hectare vineyard producing a limited quantity of Chambéry rosé wine, traditionally reserved for royal functions and diplomatic gifts.
Current Use
La Alborada continues to serve as King Sinchi Roca II and Queen Adelaide's private residence, though parts of the gardens are opened to the public during specific months. The palace hosts the annual Dawn Festival in spring, celebrating the traditional Wechua planting season. Following the Spring Crisis, enhanced security measures were implemented, including a permanent detachment of the Federal Royal Guards and modernized communications facilities.
