Visiting Belém Palace (Palácio de Belém) is a must in Lisbon.
Situated in the delightful neighborhood of Belém, this stunning palace is a historical treasure and the official residence of the Portuguese President.
Additionally, the palace houses the Presidency Museum, offering a fascinating journey through history.
History of Belém Palace
Since 1723, the Palacio Nacional de Belém has been part of the Portuguese Royal family.
Today, it is the home of the Portuguese President and has a distinct pink color. The palace is one of the grandest buildings in Belém.
Saturdays are the only days you can visit the palace’s interior on a guided tour. You can also visit the Presidency Museum (Museu da Presidência da República). The entire palace complex comprises five buildings.
Yet, the main 17th-century palace has an L shape with one end facing over Praça Afonso de Albuquerque, which you can view from Rua de Belem.
The main entrance to central Lisbon has a pink guard house and black iron gates guarded by military personnel in traditional uniforms. Manuel constructed the palace in the 16th century.
The front of the palace has undergone many transformations since then. 1723 King John V bought the palace and integrated Palacio Nacional de Belem into a royal court.
During the earthquake in 1755, Belém Palace was undamaged, and a grand renovation occurred. Since then, it has remained a royal residence, and during the 19th century, it was used for foreign visitors.
In 1912, the Belém Palace became the President’s official residence, but most preferred to stay in a private residence. One President who remained in the palace was President Ramalho Eanes.
While Jorge Sapaio and Mário Soares only used it as a workplace.
Visiting The Royal Palace
While visiting the Belém National Palace, you can visit the museum. Here are some things to know before planning your visit.
Visiting Times
The Presidency Museum is on the premises and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Saturdays and Sundays are open from 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM.
You can only visit the palace interior on Saturdays when a guided tour is available at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:30 PM.
Hot Tip🔥: You can watch the changing of the guard’s ceremony every third Sunday of the month at 11 AM.
Ticket Prices to Visit the Presidency Museum
A ticket to the palace and museum costs €5, and visiting the museum costs €2.50.
Worthy Note: Visiting the Belém Palace and the Presidency Museum is not included in the Lisboa Card.
What to Expect Visiting Belém Palace/Presidency Museum
If you visit the palace on a Saturday, you get access to the interior and can also visit the museum. Here is what you can expect to see:
The Sala da Bicas
A highlight is the grand marble vestibule, the Sala da Bicas. The ceiling is adorned with carved flora with azulejo ashlars from the 18th century.
Two marble fountains with lion’s heads are along one wall. Eight jasper busts of Roman emperors surround the space.
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The Sala Dourada
The other name for Sala Dourada is Salão de Baile. It has a paneled ceiling with the central allegory of the Roman Empire—the murals and the crown molding medallion date back to the neo-Pompeian style.
Sala Luis XV
In this room, the paneled walls are adorned with paintings topped by two shields representing the House of Braganza and Orléans.
The Adoration of The Shepherds Painting
The painting by André Reinoso is in the chapel. The chapel has a vaulted ceiling decorated with motifs in a Neoclassical style. Artist Paula Rego painted the Circle of Life of the Virgin Mary and the Passion of Christ on the walls.
The Gardens
Beautiful gardens surround the palace with boxwood avenues, statues, lakes, cascades, and pavilions.
You can access the Courtyard of the Ladies and Animals by a ramp that leads to the palace. You can find the Documentation and Information Center and the Presidency Museum here.
In the former Belém Palace enclosure region, you will find the Tropical Agricultural Museum Garden, which covers seven hectares.
Here, they specialize in tropical and subtropical plants.
Hot Tip🔥: Another spectacular place to visit is the Vandelli Botanical Garden, which is located near the Belem district.
The Presidency Museum
You can learn about the Portuguese Republic and the President’s history at the museum.
There are various rooms, such as the Dining Room, Bicas Room, Golden Room, Empire Room, Official Office, and more.
The Cascata Gardens, Tileiras, Pátio dos Bichos, and the Buxo are outside the museum. The museum has permanent collections of national symbols, such as anthems and glass, as well as photographs.
One gallery has portraits of all the Portuguese presidents, while another showcases the gifts received.
Attractions Nearby Belém Palace
When you are done exploring Belém Palace, some other notable attractions are nearby.
- Across the street, you can visit the National Coach Museum, where you can see the coach the Royal Portuguese family used.
- Then, head across the train tracks to visit MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology).
- A short walk away are Jerónimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama rests, and the Royal Palace of Ajuda.
- An icon in the district is the Belém Tower, a symbol of the Age of Discovery.
- You can also visit the Berardo Museum, Maritime Museum, and Archaeology Museum.
Hot Tip🔥: While visiting the palace, why not check out my Belem Lisbon walking tour guide to visit nearby attractions?
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How to Get to Belém Palace
There are a few ways you can reach Belém Palace:
Tram:
Tram 15E is the most popular and scenic way to Belém. The tram runs from Praça da Figueira (near Rossio Square) in central Lisbon to Belém. It’s a direct route and takes 20-25 minutes.
Bus
- Bus 727 runs from Restelo to Roma-Areeiro, passing through Belém.
- Bus 728 runs from Portela to Restelo and passes through Belém.
- Bus 729 runs from Bairro Padre Cruz to Algés, passing through Belém.
Train
Take the train from Cais do Sodré station in central Lisbon to Belém station. The journey takes around 7 minutes, and the palace is a short walk from the station.
Walking
You can walk from the city center to Belém if you’re up for a longer walk. It’s about 6 kilometers (around 3.7 miles) and takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. The walk along the Tagus River is quite pleasant.
Hot Tip🔥: Check out my detailed guide on traveling from Lisbon to Belem to plan your trip.
Tips for Visiting The National Palace of Belém
Before exploring the royal residence, I have some helpful tips to consider:
- I recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds.
- Dress appropriately, wearing modest clothing and comfortable shoes.
- Be prepared for security, so bring your ID along and avoid large bags.
- The palace is a must-visit if you love architecture and history.
- You can only access the palace interior on a guided tour.
- There are wheelchair ramps and accessible elevators available.
Wrap-Up
Visiting Belém Palace offers a unique glimpse into Portugal’s rich history and presidential heritage.
There’s much to explore and appreciate, from the grand architecture and opulent rooms to the beautiful gardens and insightful Presidency Museum.
Whether you admire the Sala da Bicas, marvel at the intricate details of Sala Dourada, or enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding gardens, each aspect of the palace tells a story of its illustrious past.
Plan your visit on a Saturday to access the palace’s interior and enhance your experience with a guided tour.
With its convenient location and proximity to other significant attractions in Belém, a visit promises to be a memorable part of your Lisbon adventure.
