Belém District and the Salazar Dictatorship Legacy - Private Walking Tour
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Belém area avatars from the Discoveries period to the 1940 Exhibition
Old Belém town (or what's left of it)
The facade and the interior spaces of the most lavish late Gothic Cathedral in Lisbon with insightful explanations on its historical and mystical meaning
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
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.
The Museum of Popular is a conundrum and a real oddity of Modernist Lisbon.
The other great monument of the Discoveries Age and the Restelo upper class neighborhood that developed after the 1940 Exhibition
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important 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
Reviews(42)
Lobby bartender José Salazar was the sweetest during my stay
Pasteis tasting (pastry), Belem defensive tower, visit to the botanical garden (medium), we could not see the Jeronimos monastery (too many people)
Wonderful experience with Luis! He gave us a detailed overview of the waterfront architecture and what is left of the structures from Salazar’s 1940 exhibition. Also lots of info on Portuguese history and culture. Who are the people carved on the exploration monument? Why are there no markers explaining this? Take this tour and find out! Excellent tour with a true expert.
You and your friend are already in my top 10 of most enlightened and interested visitors in Lisbon. I also want to applaud your resilience to 3 hours of walking tour under a heavy storm. Thank you so much.
This was a great tour to get an overview of Portuguese history as well as of the Salazar period and their efforts to promote a specific Portuguese identity. Luis gave a lot of background as we toured the waterfront area and landmarks and how this area reflects the Portuguese 1940 exhibition and its propaganda aims. He was very adaptable to the weather and our many questions! He also provided follow up info related to art we saw. Luis found the best spot for coffee and pastel de nata too…great experience with a true expert.
Great time and lots of interesting information. Easy walk and beautiful views. The time went by super fast with so much to see.
I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed our tour to the point of writing this very encouraging review. I hope that today in Sintra is even better than yesterday in Belém.
In short, Luis was exceptional! You can sense the passion through his knowledge on Portugal’s history. He was also considerate enough to ask what we’re most interested in. The more he senses one’s curiosity, the more passionate he becomes when educating you. His background of being a journalist, educator and philosopher made this experience a 10 out of 10! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
I know it will sound like a commonplace, but it is comments like this one that encourage me to try to improve my tours and provide a better experience for visitors. Thank you very much and I hope to see you again soon in Lisbon. Luis
Luis was fantastic. My husband and I absolutely loved meeting him and learning on our walk in Belém. We absolutely recommend spending a tour with him! And we will look forward to reaching out to him when we return someday soon.
Thank you very much for your sympathy, interest and enthusiasm in discovering Lisbon. Come back soon, I promise a tailor-made program just for you and your husband. I wish good luck and all the best for you both. Best wishes, Luis
Luis was a really helpful guide. He wanited 15 mins over the time as we were late. The tour was very interesting and well worth the time spent.
Thank you so much. I hope you'll enjoy tonight's Full Moon by the seaside. See you soon in Lisbon!
Luis was excellent. Very knowledgeable. Learned a lot about Portuguese culture and history. Highly recommend this tour.
Thank you very much, you were the best "audience" that an urban guide can wish for. But the truth is we only did half of the program. I’m waiting for you to return soon to Lisbon so I can tell you the rest of the story.
Very good guide in French. There were only 2 of us so we had a private visit. The guide is familiar with the history of the neighbourhood and Portugal.
J’espère que vous avez gardé de bons souvenirs et envie de revenir bientôt à Lisbonne. À la prochaine Luis Maio
