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Daily Tours

Belém District and the Salazar Dictatorship Legacy - Private Walking Tour

4.9(42)LisbonFree cancellation

About this activity

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.

Highlights

    What's included

    • Private walking tour
    • Local professional guide
    • Professional photographer guide

    Not included

    • 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

    Itinerary

    1. Belém area avatars from the Discoveries period to the 1940 Exhibition

      15 minutesAdmission free

    2. Old Belém town (or what's left of it)

      15 minutesAdmission free

    3. Jerónimos Monastery

      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 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    4. 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 minutesAdmission free

    5. Monument to the Discoveries

      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 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    6. The Museum of Popular

      The Museum of Popular is a conundrum and a real oddity of Modernist Lisbon.

      10 minutesAdmission free

    7. The other great monument of the Discoveries Age and the Restelo upper class neighborhood that developed after the 1940 Exhibition

      15 minutesAdmission free

    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.

    The map shows Lisbon. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map

    Pickup

    • Everyone meets at the start point

    Drop-off

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

    Know before you go

    • 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
    • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
    • One per booking

    Cancellation and refunds

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

    If you cancelRefund
    At least 1 days before100%
    Between 0 and 1 days before0%
    • Cancelled and fully refunded if the weather makes it unsafe
    Supplied by
    Lisbon Art & Soul
    Product code
    17131P6

    Customer reviews

    4.9 · 42 reviews
    4.9
    42 reviews
    • 5 ★38
    • 4 ★3
    • 3 ★1
    • 2 ★0
    • 1 ★0

    Ratings from Viator 4.9 (15) · Tripadvisor 4.9 (27)

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    $21$19per person