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Offered languages
- Portuguese
- English
- French
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
Meeting and pickup
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.
Torre de Belém is not far from Algés train, tram and bus stations
Itinerary
-
1Afonso de Albuquerque Square
Belém area avatars from the Discoveries period to the 1940 Exhibition
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Old Belém town (or what's left of it)
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
The facade and the interior spaces of the most lavish late Gothic Cathedral in Lisbon with insightful explanations on its historical and mystical meaning
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Jardim da Praca do Imperio
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
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Padrao dos Descobrimentos
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.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
The Museum of Popular is a conundrum and a real oddity of Modernist Lisbon.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
The other great monument of the Discoveries Age and the Restelo upper class neighborhood that developed after the 1940 Exhibition
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- 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
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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