Portuguese School of Equestrian Art (Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre)
Lisbon, Portugal
Portuguese equestrian art—a type of choreographed horseback riding performed by local Lusitano horses and period-costumed riders—dates back to the 18th-century court of King John V. The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art (Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre) preserves the tradition today with regular shows, and you can watch the rehearsals most mornings at the school’s riding ring in Belém.
The basics
The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art hosts guided visits and open-to-the-public training sessions several days a week, and you can reserve your tickets online or on-site. Tour the facility before sitting down to watch the skilled horses and handlers move swiftly around the Henrique Calado Riding Ring to music. For a more formal experience, book a ticket to the occasional gala, a baroque-style performance complete with regal costumes for both the riders and horses.
Things to know before you go
- While the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art is headquartered at the National Palace of Queluz, you can only watch the horses train in the Belém location described here.
- Photos and videos are not allowed in the Henrique Calado Riding Ring, though you can photograph the horses without flash on the Nora Patio.
- The school has a cafeteria and gift shop on-site.
- Tours and training sessions are open to all ages, though the school hosts some events specifically for families—check the website for the schedule.
How to get there
The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art is located on Calçada da Ajuda in the Belém district. Though the old-school tram 15 is a popular way to get to Belém from central Lisbon, it’s faster to take the Cascais train line or 728 bus from the Cais do Sodré station. You can walk from the Belém station to the school in under 10 minutes.
When to get there
Guided tours at the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, followed by horse training sessions or exhibitions open to visitors, generally take place Monday–Friday from 11am to 1pm. However, the schedule varies, especially for galas and other special events, so it’s best to check the calendar online before planning your visit.
When in Belém…
After visiting the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, there’s plenty to do in Belém, home to top Lisbon attractions including the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) and Jerónimos Monastery. If you find yourself hungry, don’t miss Pastéis de Belém, a local institution known for its nearly 200-year-old Portuguese egg tart recipe—one of the most famous in the city.
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