In this event, we'll get to know the Palace of Belém "inside out" (protocol rooms), the President's Office, the beautiful Palace Gardens and the Presidency Museum (in this case on a free visit). To round off our event, we suggest a walk around Belém and some of the curiosities of the area surrounding Belém Palace.

Belém Palace:

The Palace, located in Belém, was once the palace of kings and is now a national monument and the seat of the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic. Called "das leoneiras" in the 18th century, its emblem seems to be the lion - the solar symbol that combines Wisdom with Power. A green flag with the national coat of arms - the presidential banner - is flown at the palace, indicating the presence of the President in Belém.

This is an architectural and landscape complex with a central five-body building facing the River Tagus. A first palace, to the east of the Pátio das Damas - the Annex - is followed, at the turn towards Calçada da Ajuda, by another building - the Royal Riding Arena, today the Coach Museum. To the west are the Pátio dos Bichos, the Arrábida pavilion and the Cascata Garden. To the south extends the Jardim Grande, which ends in a belvedere whose railing extends to the east and west and meets two small pavilions, once known as "recreation houses".

The Museum of the Presidency:

The museum combines a traditional exhibition of collection items with interactive information and knowledge systems. The exhibition route begins with the National Symbols and ends with an approach to the powers, functions and activities of the Presidents.

This route takes visitors through the three historical cycles of the Republic and provides an insight into the evolution of the presidential institution and the life and work of those who have held it.

As the President of the Republic is the Grand Master of the Portuguese Orders of Honour, the Museum's permanent exhibition includes a visit to the collection of Portuguese insignia that distinguish personalities of national and international importance, awarded in acts of great protocol and symbolic significance.

The route also includes a virtual tour of the palace of Belém, showing its heritage and experiences.

Tour of Belem

We'll take a short walk to learn more about the Belém area and some of the curiosities of this part of Lisbon.