Belém Palace

The Palácio de Belém, located on the banks of the Tagus River in Lisbon, is a place of great historical and cultural importance. Originally built in 1559 by D. Manuel de Portugal, the palace was conceived as a retreat with riverside gardens, reflecting the elegance and tranquility of that time. In the 18th century, King João V made substantial modifications, including the addition of a riding school, now home to the Museu Nacional dos Coches. During the great earthquake of 1755, the Palácio de Belém served as a refuge for King José I and his family, solidifying its association with the royal family. Subsequently, the palace hosted foreign dignitaries and became the official residence of Prince D. Carlos in 1886, before returning to being used to receive foreign guests after D. Carlos became king in 1889. With the establishment of the Republic in 1910, the palace took on a new function as the official residence of the President of the Republic. This change marked the beginning of a new era for the Palácio de Belém, which saw many significant events, including the funeral of President Sidónio Pais in 1918 and the departure of President Bernardino Machado in 1926. During the Estado Novo period, the political role of the palace diminished, with Presidents residing there only occasionally. However, President Craveiro Lopes lived there permanently from 1951 to 1958. The palace survived the Carnation Revolution in 1974, which ended the dictatorship in Portugal. With the adoption of the new constitution in 1976, the Palácio de Belém once again became the official residence of the Head of State. Since then, only President Ramalho Eanes has resided there full-time, while his successors, such as Mário Soares, Jorge Sampaio, Aníbal Cavaco Silva, and the current President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, mainly use it for official functions. Today, the Palácio de Belém continues to be the official residence of the President of the Portuguese Republic, hosting foreign dignitaries and official ceremonies. Inside, there is also the Museu da Presidência da República, inaugurated in 2004, which offers an overview of the history of the Portuguese Republic through official portraits and personal items of the Presidents, many of which are gifts from national and international personalities and heads of state. One of the most fascinating elements of the palace is the garden with a waterfall, built by Queen Maria I at the end of the 18th century to house exotic birds. The garden not only adds a touch of natural beauty but also provides a place of tranquility and reflection for visitors. Additionally, the palace houses a chapel decorated with eight paintings by the renowned contemporary Portuguese artist Paula Rego, commissioned in 2002 to illustrate the life of the Virgin Mary. The main façade of the palace overlooks Praça Afonso de Albuquerque, an area dedicated to the Portuguese viceroy of India, with a statue of Albuquerque in the center of the garden. This square not only adds another historical element to the site but also serves as the main access point for visitors. The Palácio de Belém is easily accessible by public transport, including the train from Cais do Sodré station and tram number 15, making it an ideal destination for tourists and residents who want to explore one of Lisbon’s most important historical monuments. Guided tours offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the history and architecture of the palace, allowing visitors to feel part of Portugal’s history for a few hours.