Palácio da Assembleia da República (Parliament Building)
Portugal's Parliament, the Palácio da Assembleia da República is located in the Estrela district of the city, not far from Bairro Alto to the east.
History
The building was formerly the Benedictine Mosteiro de São Bento or Convento de São Bento, dating from the 17th century. The Portuguese parliament has convened here since 1833.
The monks were moved on from the building, which became the Portuguese assembly, and the interior was remodeled over the next century by a succession of architects: Possidónio da Silva, Jean François Colson and Miguel Ventura. The monumental front stairway and rear gardens were completed by Cristino da Silva, with the name of Ventura inlaid in the stairs to honor his famous predecessor.
The area in the front of the building is a popular place for political demonstrations.
Along with the President of the Republic, the government and the courts, the Assembly of the Republic makes up the four sovereignty bodies of Portugal's political system.
Just behind the main building is the official residence of Portugal's Prime Minister - a restored 19th century mansion (São Bento Mansion), first occupied by the dictator Salazar in 1938.
Access
Palácio da Assembleia da República (www.parlamento.pt)
Palácio de S. Bento
1249-068
Lisboa
Tel: 21 391 9000
Tram: #25