Belém District and the Salazar Dictatorship Legacy - Private Walking Tour

4.9 (43 reviews) Lisbon, Portugal
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Duration3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
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TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesPortuguese, English, French
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Embark on an insightful and exciting tour that rewinds Portugal into the 20th century, a century in which the country became one of the first republics in Europe, then was ruled by the ruthless dictator Salazar and only in 1974 regained freedom and democracy. We give the word to Belém quarter and its monuments, sculptures and unique places that have played and continue to play a crucial role in the country’s destinies.
Belém (Bethlehem) was the name given to the anchorage from which the ships of the Portuguese Maritime Discoveries departed. A hundred years ago, however, this was a grim industrial area. The turning point came with the Portuguese World Exhibition of 1940, a nationalist celebration not usually documented in touristic guides. This walk explores Belém taking the controversial event as the cornerstone of its transformation into what it is today. We will approach the main attractions from a different angle and also focus on places usually off the beaten track.

What's included

  • Private walking tour
  • Local professional guide
  • Professional photographer guide
  • Food and drinks
  • The listed price does not include a parking fee, payable at the time of tour check-in.
  • Hotel pickup
  • Hotel drop-off
  • Transportation to/from attractions

What to expect

  1. Afonso de Albuquerque Square
    15m
    Belém area avatars from the Discoveries period to the 1940 Exhibition
  2. Vasco da Gama Garden
    15m
    Old Belém town (or what's left of it)
  3. Jeronimos Monastery
    20m
    The facade and the interior spaces of the most lavish late Gothic Cathedral in Lisbon with insightful explanations on its historical and mystical meaning
  4. Jardim da Praca do Imperio
    20m
    This square was the hub and is the main heritage of the Portuguese World Exhibition. We do quick stops by the heraldic flower beds, the monumental fountain and the seahorses
  5. Padrao Dos Descobrimentos
    20m
    We walk around and try to shed light on the the main icon of the 1940 exhibition, not forgetting the majestic wind rose that covers the pavement at its feet.
  6. Museu de Arte Popular
    10m
    The Museum of Popular is a conundrum and a real oddity of Modernist Lisbon.
  7. Torre de Belem Garden
    15m
    The other great monument of the Discoveries Age and the Restelo upper class neighborhood that developed after the 1940 Exhibition

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Our meeting point is by the entrance of the station, under the big red letters - "Estação Fluvial" (River Station). This is opposite to the Belém Train Station, also near Museu dos Coches.

End point

Torre de Belém is not far from Algés train, tram and bus stations

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Dress code is smart casual
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (43)
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Operated by Lisbon Art & Soul · Booked through Viator
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