Situated high up in gardens on a gently sloped hill, Belém Palace is the
official residence of Portugal's president since 1910.
It was built in 1559 and altered in the 18th century by King João V.
In 1755, King José I was inside the palace, where the Great Earthquake was
felt only to a slight extent and, just like most buildings in this area, it
wasn't severely damaged. It still retains its richly furnished halls,
carvings, tiles, and numerous works of art that may be visited on Saturdays.
The Presidency Museum is part of the palace and can be visited every day (except Mondays). It tells the story of the Portuguese Republic and its Presidents, with a permanent collection
explaining the history of the nationals symbols (flag and anthem) and the role of the presidents through photographs.
In one gallery are portraits of every Portuguese president, and in another are the gifts each received from world leaders and
other prominent figures.
In front of the palace is a square with well-tended gardens and a statue
of Afonso de Albuquerque, the Viceroy of India, standing atop a 20m-high
Neo-Manueline pedestal in the center.
Ride Lisbon's metro, buses, and trams for FREE with the Lisboa Card.
Where: Praça Afonso de Albuquerque, Belém
How: Tram 15
When: Palace - Saturdays only, 10AM-5PM; Museum - 10AM-6PM (Closed Mondays)
What: museu.presidencia.pt
Jeronimos
Monastery - A World Heritage monument; Vasco da Gama's resting place.
Belem
Tower - The city's icon; a symbol of the Age of Discovery.
Discoveries
Monument - The world's explorers in stone.
Berardo Museum - World-class collection of modern art.
Coaches
Museum - The world's largest collection of magnificent royal coaches.
Maritime
Museum - The story of Portugal's pioneering role in world exploration at the sea.
Archaeology
Museum - Archaeological finds from over the centuries.
Belem Cultural
Center - Modern cultural center with regular exhibitions and events.
Tropical
Garden - Beautiful garden with rare plants from around the world.
Memoria
Church - Elegant neoclassical church.
Ajuda
Palace - An extravagant royal palace.
Ajuda
Botanical Garden - Beautiful gardens overlooking the river.
25
de Abril Bridge - Golden Gate's twin sister.
Docas - Attractive dock area with cosmopolitan
bars and restaurants.
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