Belém Palace, Lisbon, Portugal - SpottingHistory.com

Situated high up in gardens on a gently sloped hill, the Belem 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 Jose 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 only.

The Presidency Museum is part of the palace and can be visited every day except Mondays. 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.

References:

Go Lisbon

User Reviews

Alessandro Tedesco (19 months ago)
The house of the President of Portugal, worth a visit, full oh history and stories

Valdir Palmieri (20 months ago)
By appointment. A pleasure plsc6

pedro andrade (2 years ago)
Space is very cost, has a great inventory of important pieces to Portuguese Republican Democracy, but I feel the experience is somewhat underwhelming and that it has much much more potential, considering the pieces and the significance it has. It could be much much more interactive. The video section is painful to watch., This is the 21st century. Please do update it. It deserves better.

Pedro Cruz (2 years ago)
The museum is small, but if you're able to visit the gardens, it's worth the time

Tristan Walker (2 years ago)
A great experience. In order to get inside the palace you will need to book in advance, although the museum does not require pre-booking. Once inside, you are shown the main rooms of The Palace, where main events and protocol take place. You even get to go inside The President's Office. A fine selection of interior design and furniture, as well as paintings. Whilst touring, the guide will explain some fascinating historical stories. You will also be shown around the splendid gardens. A lovely visit that is steeped in history. The museum itself is also fascinating, outlining each President from the beginning of the Republic of Portugal, which dated back from the last century. You also get to see offers from Head of State visits.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Maciek Lulko

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