Eyes open: when the President is the building, a green flag with the national arms is hoisted
Fit For Kings
Once the official residence of the Portuguese monarchs, since the installation of the First Republic after the 1910 revolution Belém Palace has been home to the Presidents of the Portuguese Republic. When it was first built in the sixteenth century it offered King Manuel I of Portugal some peace and quiet, set apart from the chaotic confines of the city centre, for his gentleman scholar pursuits.
Today it is much the same: its soft pink façade sits high up on a gently sloping hill, facing onto the Tagus river. Strolling through its beautifully manicured gardens is a perfect respite from city life. You won’t miss the statue of Afonso de Albuquerque, standing atop a 20 metre pedestal. As a masterful 15th century Portuguese general and empire builder he was instrumental in Portugal’s ascendance as a global power.
All in the Timing
Within the palace the Presidency Museum tells the story of the Portuguese Republic and its leaders using a fascinating collection of photos, portraits and gifts received from other world leaders. The palace itself opens only on select days, but its well worth timing your visit to coincide with them: its luxurious rooms have been furnished by Portugal’s finest artisans for centuries.
Another thing worth coinciding your visit with is the ceremonial changing of the guards. Next to the Pátios dos Bichos ramp every 3rd Sunday of each month at 11 o’clock the Belém National Palace guard of honour conduct this stately ceremony. With horses, rifles, frilly outfits and a martial band, you can enjoy a bit of pomp and pageantry, even if the Royals no longer live here.
Set on the waterfront, beautiful Belém is a symbol of Lisbon’s seafaring past, once home to Lisbon’s shipyards and docks. It was from here that 15th-century voyages launched, blazing a trail of discovery across oceans to India, East Africa and Brazil.
On your private half-day tour, you will:
Belém is the perfect place to learn about Portugal’s Golden Age of Discovery, where the 15th-century explorers set sail to discover new worlds. Today their voyages are commemorated by the sail-shaped Discoveries Monument.
These discoveries gave rise to incredible wealth from Portugal’s new colonies, which funded Belém’s grand buildings, parks and leafy plazas. Take in views of the 17th century Belém Palace, home to the Portuguese Royal Family for centuries and a prime example of English Baroque design.
Belém is famed for its remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the 16th-century Torre de Belém, a thin, stone tower that has become one of Portugal’s most photographed monuments.
The gothic Jerónimos Monastery also claims UNESCO credentials, with its stunning Manueline architecture.
Portugal's capital city of Lisbon is built upon seven hills known as the seven giants — São Jorge, São Vicente, São Roque, Santo André, Santa Catarina, Chagas e Sant'Ana — all of them visible when arriving in Lisbon by the river. This private walking tour of Lisbon & Belém will take you through the city, past its iconic landmarks, castles, and gardens and will include a River Cruise to boot.
On your private tour, you will:
From the imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s faded pastel-coloured buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Lisbon is a city of colourful balconies and views, trams and cobbled streets. Belém is a laid-back area of Lisbon on the Tagus River, known for its colourful houses and breathtaking landmarks that recall Lisbon’s seafaring history, like the 16th-century Tower of Belém. Your tour will end after the cruise back to central Lisbon.
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