Palácio Nacional de Belém

The Palácio Nacional de Belém (Belem National Palace) with its distinctive pink coloured walls was the home of Portuguese Royal family since 1723 and today it is the official address of the Portuguese president, though few presidents have lived here with most preferring to stay in their own homes. Disappointing the Palácio Nacional de Belem is not open for tourists either to explore or as part of a guided tour, but thanks to the colour scheme is one of the most unique buildings of Lisbon.

The entire palace complex incorporates 5 buildings but the main 17th century palace is L shaped with one end facing over the Praça Afonso de Albuquerque which can be viewed from the Rua de Belém. The main entrance is further along the Rua de Belém towards central Lisbon and it is identified by a pink guard house and black iron gates which are guarded by military sentries in traditional uniform.

History of the Palácio Nacional de Belém

The Palácio Nacional de Belém was initially constructed during the 16th century by Nanuel a rich merchant on a small hill overlooking the Rio Tejo (River Tagus) beach. The area in front of the palace over the 500 years has undergone major transformations some influenced by man other by nature. The Rio Tejo beach was dredged to form the docks and harbours of Belem then later siltation and changes with currents expanded the northern bank

The Palácio Nacional de Belém was transferred into the royal court when King John V purchased the palace in 1723 as a holiday retreat. This was in an era when the nobility were escaping the issues of living in an urban area during the 18th century and the area of Belem became fashionable. The palace survived undamaged during the 1755 earthquake along with the king's grand renovations of the interior unlike the Ribeira Palace which was completely destroyed.  The palace remained a royal residence and towards the end of the 19th century was used to housing foreign visitors.

With the removal of the king in 1912 the Palácio Nacional de Belem became the official residence of the President, though most preferred to stay in their own private residence. More recently President Ramalho Eanes lived in the Palace but both Mário Soares and Jorge Sapaio used it merely as a work place.