Portuguese history and political life in São Bento



São Bento is the center of Portuguese political life, hosting the seat of the Assembly of the Republic and also the official residence of the Prime Minister of Portugal. Rua de São Bento, which connects the Parliament to Largo do Rato, is the main axis of this neighbourhood, framed between Estrela and Santos and which also connects Bairro Alto through Calçada do Combro.

Address of Amália Rodrigues Rua de São Bento has always been associated with its antique shops and art galleries. And although these continue to be present, the artery gained new life with the arrival of innovative concepts in the fields of arts and culture, commerce and catering, which expanded through what was called the São Bento Triangle.

The originality of the new projects that were born here at the initiative of a new generation of creatives and entrepreneurs did not go unnoticed by the prestigious travel publication Lonely Planet, which, in 2017, hailed this area as one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world.

And the distinction is not for less. The national creation with author pieces signed by designers, artisans and emerging artists is clearly evident in the buildings that have been rehabilitated and which are an authentic fusion between exhibition spaces, activities linked to culture, coworks, creative hubs and artists’ clubs. There is also space for specialized bookstores, vintage stores and social projects.

The Amália Rodrigues House-Museum and the Mário Soares Foundation are two unavoidable references and, to relax in the open air, there are small green refuges scattered around the neighborhood. On Sundays, the beautiful garden of Palácio de São Bento is open to the public for a visit and, right next door, is Jardim da Estrela.