Feel like the President of the Portuguese Republic for a few hours and make the Palace of Belém your official residence in Lisbon.

In this former property of the count of Aveiras, bought by King João V in 1726, stands the official residence of the president of Portugal.

Nowadays it is the venue for official receptions in its rooms and halls decorated by artists such as Columbano, Malhoa, João Vaz and Leandro Braga.

The entrance hall – Sala dos Bichos – and the ballroom are the most impressive, with chequered marble flooring and painted and bas-relief ceilings.

The palace was the residence of Queen Maria II and, later, that of King Carlos.

Discover the troubled history of the occupants of the palace over the centuries as you walk down the steps in the impressive gardens overlooking the Tagus and through the rooms which have witnessed the pirouettes in Portugal’s recent history.