Palácio de São Bento
Monument & Heritage
São Bento Palace is a majestic neoclassical building, seat of the Parliament of Portugal since 1834.
This building dates back to the end of the 16th century and was originally the first Benedictine monastery built in Lisbon. With the earthquake of 1755 suffered some damage, but it was only after the fire of 1895 that it was completely transformed to the monumental dimension that it has at the moment.
However, although the building has been renovated several times, it still retains many of its original features, for example the two majestic sculpted large lions, designed by Raul Xavier, which guard the main entrance stairway.
São Bento Palace is located in Bairro do Chiado, a charming historic district in the centre of Lisbon. Besides being the seat of the Republic Assembly, it is a truly imposing structure, with four allegorical statues flanking the imposing columns of the facade.