About this experience
Belém is a historic district of Lisbon with iconic monuments that preserve the spirit of the Age of Discoveries. Here lies the royal residence of Luís I, where the luxury of the interior takes your breath away! During the tour, I will talk about legendary explorers who made discoveries of global significance and introduce you to the exquisite decoration of the Ajuda Palace. And in a historic café, you will taste pastries with a recipe that has been kept secret for many years by the family.
What to expect
Luxurious interiors of the Ajuda Palace
The tour begins with a true gem in the palace necklace of the city - the royal residence on a high hill by the Tagus River. It is one of the first neoclassical buildings in the capital and the residence of the Portuguese King Luís I. The interior of Ajuda is among the richest and most beautiful in the country. Strolling through the halls, bedrooms, and vestibules, you will immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the royal family's life, where everything from the boudoir to the silk-crystal banquet hall is literally steeped in history. You will learn about Brazil's role in creating the magnificent interior with decorative elements that are mind-blowing; as well as the ups and downs in the life of Luís I and his wife Maria Pia, the daughter of an Italian monarch.
Coffee break in a historic establishment
After exploring the palace, we will walk to an 18th-century cafeteria where you can try the most famous layered pastries in Portugal, prepared according to a secret recipe. You can also enjoy a cup of excellent coffee to continue the walk with new energy.
Jerónimos Monastery
Next, you will visit a monument of national architectural heritage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Jerónimos Monastery, built-in neo-Gothic style. Here you will see the carved sarcophagi of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões, a poet and one of the founders of the modern Portuguese language. You will admire the colorful stained glass windows, and near the royal tombs, we will talk about Manuel I and his reign, a period when Portugal reached its peak of power, becoming one of the strongest maritime empires in the world.
Monument to the Discoveries 'Wind Rose'
Passing through the Imperial Garden, you will reach a monument dedicated to significant figures of the Age of Discoveries. I will introduce you to a sculptural ensemble led by Henry the Navigator and tell you about legendary personalities who have entered world history. You will also walk along a marble map with dates of Portuguese voyages in the 15th-16th centuries. Here you will discover figures of Magellan, Prince Henry, Bartolomeu Dias, and other famous personalities of that time.
The spirit of maritime romance in Belém Tower
A visit to Lisbon without seeing the Belém Tower is a big miss. Portuguese caravels departed from here, driven by the wind of distant wanderings and upcoming discoveries. Built in the 16th century to commemorate the discovery of the sea route to India, the tower miraculously survived to this day in its original form. It looks more like a castle than a military fort. And there is a special charm in this because the past voyages of brave sailors resemble fairy tales we read in childhood. And now imagine that you will be in the real places of these fantastic stories!
Organizational details
The cost of the tour does not include a ticket to the Ajuda Palace - 6 euros/person (open Monday to Sunday, except Wednesday), possible replacement with the Coach Museum - 8 euros/person (open Tuesday to Sunday); as well as personal expenses in the cafe.
