Born on October 26, 1802, as the eldest son of King Dom João VI, Dom Miguel ascended to the throne in 1828, following the death of his father. His reign was characterized by a struggle for power and ideology, as he sought to establish an absolutist regime in Portugal.

One of the key events during Dom Miguel's rule was the Liberal Wars, a series of conflicts between absolutist and liberal factions. Dom Miguel staunchly opposed the liberal ideals and reforms that emerged during the liberal revolution of 1820. His actions aimed to restore absolute monarchy, which led to a fierce struggle for power within the country.

Lisbon, as the capital and political center of Portugal, became the stage for many of these confrontations. The city witnessed intense political polarization, with supporters of Dom Miguel, known as "Miguelistas", and liberal factions clashing in the streets. These conflicts often resulted in violence and instability, disrupting the daily lives of Lisbon's inhabitants.

Dom Miguel's rule had a profound impact on the urban development of Lisbon. Despite his efforts to restore absolutism, the city experienced a period of stagnation and economic decline under his reign. Many liberal-minded individuals and intellectuals fled Lisbon, seeking refuge in other European capitals, which led to a brain drain and limited progress in various fields.

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However, it is worth noting that Dom Miguel was also responsible for some significant architectural projects in Lisbon. He commissioned the renovation of the Church and Monastery of Saint Vincent of Fora and the Royal Palace of Necessidades, a lavish Neoclassical palace that still stands today as a testament to his reign. The palace served as the royal residence during his rule and became an important symbol of absolutist power.

The reign of Dom Miguel came to an end in 1834 when he was forced into exile following his defeat in the Liberal Wars. Lisbon, once again, experienced a period of transition and political restructuring as Portugal moved towards a constitutional monarchy.

Despite the controversies and divisive nature of his rule, King Dom Miguel's legacy in Lisbon is an important part of the city's history. His reign, characterized by political strife and contrasting ideologies, shaped the sociopolitical landscape of the time and left an imprint on the architectural heritage of the city.

Today, visitors to Lisbon can explore remnants of Dom Miguel's reign, such as the Royal Palace of Necessidades, and reflect upon the complex history that unfolded during his time as king. The story of King Dom Miguel and his impact on Lisbon serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of political power and the enduring influence it can have on a city's identity.