From Salazar’s office to the hotel with the best location in the capital: Pousada de Lisboa overlooks the river and many secrets to discover – Portugal
Praça do Comércio is one of the most emblematic places in the Portuguese capital. With the statue of D. José I in the center, the Tagus River on one side, the arch of Rua Augusta on the opposite side and surrounded by historic buildings is a must-see.
Totally destroyed after the earthquake of 1755, it was the Marquês de Pombal who gave an order to rebuild practically the whole of Lisbon, making Praça do Comércio in a central point of the city, with several offers that allow you to visit the rest of the city, stroll along the Tagus, or even cross the riverbank.
No set of buildings in Baixa Pombalina next to the arch of Rua Augusta is the space where the Ministry of Internal Administration used to function and where Salazar had his office, in addition to having also been a police station. Today, the same building houses the Pousada de Lisboa, Pestana Monument Hotel which includes 90 rooms, divided into Classic, Superior, Deluxe, Duplex and Suites rooms with a view to the river.
As soon as we pass through the entrance, in front of the place where Carlos I was murdered, we are swamped by the weight of Portuguese history, present in every corner of the building. In addition to the space itself being an important part of our history, the City Museum donated several works that were in storage to decorate the hotel. Thus, throughout the hotel, models of statues and sculptures were discovered, including some made for the exhibition of the Portuguese world. The lobby’s ceiling is also decorated with panels representing the Portuguese discoveries.
As a way to combine work with pleasure, the Pousada de Lisboa has two meeting rooms, fully equipped, and with varied layouts, depending on the need. The Sala Terreiro do Paço, fits to accommodate 143 people in its 137m2. The Great Hall – with 168m2, with an adaptable layout having a capacity of up to 154 people – it is possibly the most beautiful place in the whole building, with ceiling and walls covered in gold leaf. It was in this space that the meetings with the ministers took place. According to governments even weddings, the space is now available for various events. With a formal staircase and scenic stained glass, the Salão Nobre is the ideal place to plan the most memorable moments.
Already Salazar’s former office is now a presidential suite, with a wide view of Praça do Comércio It has 110 m2 and stands out for its good taste and elegance. It has a living room and two French balconies, where panoramic views such as excellent panoramic views of the Tagus River and Praça do Comércio are possible. One bathroom is covered in Irish Green marble and is equipped with a shower and bathtub.
On the ground floor you will find several spaces to enjoy, the bar, the restaurant and the Patio Amália, interior patio with a removable dome, where breakfast is served, full of options for all tastes. The space has a traditional Portuguese cobblestone floor and boasts two replicas of the São Vicente de Fora Panels. During our visit, there was also a temporary exhibition dedicated to Fernando Pessoa.
On the ground floor is also the RIB – Beef & Wine Lisboa restaurant, with a capacity of 80 seats, where you can find several typical dishes of traditional Portuguese cuisine, where meat dishes are the “company’s star”. Highlight for the delicious meat croquettes for starters and the risotto at the perfect spot. There is also a spa and treatment room. Academy, sauna and a quiet pool where you can relax.
With a peaceful environment, an unbeatable location and a very friendly staff, the Pousada Jovem de Lisboa stands out as one of the best starting points for visiting Lisbon.