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Belém District and the Salazar Dictatorship Legacy: An Expansive Walk Through Lisbon's History
4.9
30 Ratings
Lisboa
Explore the historic Belém District in Lisbon and uncover the legacy of the Salazar Dictatorship. Discover iconic landmarks, such as the Monument of the Discoveries, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this charming neighborhood.
Explore the historic Belém District in Lisbon and uncover the legacy of the Salazar Dictatorship. Discover iconic landmarks, such as the Monument of the Discoveries, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this charming neighborhood.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Afonso de Albuquerque Square - Belém area avatars from the Discoveries period to the 1940 Exhibition
- Vasco da Gama Garden - Old Belém town (or what’s left of it)
- Mosteiro 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…
- Afonso de Albuquerque Square - Belém area avatars from the Discoveries period to the 1940 Exhibition
- Vasco da Gama Garden - Old Belém town (or what’s left of it)
- Mosteiro 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
- Jardim 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
- Padrao 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.
- Museu de Arte Popular - The Museum of Popular is a conundrum and a real oddity of Modernist Lisbon.
- Torre de Belem Garden - The other great monument of the Discoveries Age and the Restelo upper class neighborhood that developed after the 1940 Exhibition
What's Included
- Private walking tour
- Local professional guide
- Professional photographer guide
- Private walking tour
- Local professional guide
- Professional photographer guide
What's 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
- 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
Additional Information
Embark on a private 3-hour walking tour to explore the most historic and widely recognized sites along the Lisbon coastline. This district, known widely as the departure point for globally-renowned explorers in the 15th century, also took stage as host for the World Exhibition in 1940. Rich in history and teeming with appeal, the district of Belém is a…
Embark on a private 3-hour walking tour to explore the most historic and widely recognized sites along the Lisbon coastline. This district, known widely as the departure point for globally-renowned explorers in the 15th century, also took stage as host for the World Exhibition in 1940. Rich in history and teeming with appeal, the district of Belém is a prime location for a leisurely stroll. Marvel at the Empire Square, the iconic Monument of Discoveries, and the eye-catching ‘Portuguese House for the Colonies’. By the end, your perception of Lisbon will see a transformation.
- Dress code is smart casual
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Location
Belem River Station
Avenida Brasília
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(30 Ratings)
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Q4193easarahg
Sep 15, 2024
Very informative walk - We spent a very enjoyable morning with Luis, learning about the lesser known history of Belem in the Salazar years. He was a very engaging and entertaining guide and we learnt so much. He also made some excellent recommendations for our remaining time in Lisbon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Minnicsakmenni
Jul 19, 2024
Salazar's Dictatorship Walking Tour in Lisbon - Our leader is a well-prepared, thorough teacher with a great knowledge of history. He was patient and provided us with a lot of interesting information about the daily events of the Salazar period. He brought to life the everyday life of the 1940 World's Fair, while at the same time providing us with adequate answers to our questions about previous historical periods. Thank you Luís.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donat_b
Jul 19, 2024
Salazar's Dictatorship Walking Tour in Lisbon - Our leader is a well-prepared, thorough teacher with a great knowledge of history. He was patient and provided us with a lot of interesting information about the daily events of the Salazar period. He brought to life the everyday life of the 1940 World's Fair, while at the same time providing us with adequate answers to our questions about previous historical periods. Thank you Luís.
Review provided by Viator
504aliciab
Jul 2, 2024
Do this trip you will learn about history and culture. - This is an excellent way to learn about the history of Belém and how it has changed over the decades. Luís was wonderful and attentive to the heat and our attention span. It was really interesting for such a value to have our own guide after doing group tours we really appreciate that we were able to book this. We certainly learned things that we did not find in guide books and you should definitely do this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chris_s
Jun 25, 2024
Very Infomative outdoor walking tour with great insights into the history of Belem - Very interesting walking tour covering the history of the Belem district? Louis is a great guide with lots of information both formal and fun. He tailored our tour to cover elemts of out own country (South Africa's) history, which made it very relatable. His ability to remember dates of events is superb.
Review provided by Viator
Stella
Jun 8, 2024
EXCELLENT CULTURAL TOUR - Guide Luis was excellent, punctual, attentive and knows the history of Portugal very well. He is a Philosophy professor, which gave the visit more depth. He gave rich details with great kindness and patience. I recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jonathan_k
May 25, 2024
Highly education and personalized tour - Lus is an incredible guide - passionate, knowledgeable and able to cater the experience to each audience. Belem is a beautiful part of the city with so much rich history and architecture. Lus is able to distill the stories and information down to the big picture so you leave feeling smarter, well informed, and with a ton of photos from the many areas of Belem.
Review provided by Viator
V3232ofjonathank
May 19, 2024
Informative and beautiful tour of Belem - Luis is a friendly, knowledgeable, and respectful guide who customized the tour to our preferences. The history of Belém is so rich and Luis brings it to life - highly recommend biking there from the main area of Lisbon around the coast.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I8toys
Mar 30, 2024
Detailed, tailored personal tour of Belem - Highly Recommended - This tour is for those who want to understand the history of the region of Belem and the surrounding environment. In challenging weather conditions, beating rain and extremely stormy windy conditions, Lus took us around the Belem District and tailored the tour to make it as comfortable as possible for us - the weather defeated 3 umbrellas that day at Belem! Lus was an extremely professional host who explained so much about the area, the Portuguese Expo of 1940 and the Salazar Dictatorship.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Llb1357
Mar 25, 2024
Unique perspective on Lisbon history - I was in Lisbon for business and my colleagues and I decided to take a break and do a tour of the Belem district. Luis was an amazing tour guide. He presented truly unique perspectives on the impact of natural disasters and the religious and political climate on architecture, the lay out of the city, the 1940's World Exhibition, and approaches to protecting the mouth of the river. I have been on walking tours in Lisbon before, but learned so many new details that enhanced my view of the Portuguese culture and the evolution through history of this lovely city. Luis speaks multiple languages and is both entertaining and educational. I would do this tour again if I have the opportunity to return to Lisbon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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