Mornings of Equestrian Art

Art, Harmony and Tradition

Start your day immersed in tradition and elegance. Explore the themed route through the Páteo da Nora, get close to the Alter Real horses, and observe firsthand the attentive care provided by the grooms — an authentic moment where dedication and expertise are passed down through generations.

Then, accompanied by the musical harmonies that frame training and rehearsals, head to the Picadeiro Henrique Calado to watch the warm-up and schooling exercises performed by riders dressed in period costume. Every movement respects the rhythm, health, and physical needs of each horse, ensuring rigorous instruction that supports the high standard of the School’s galas and performances.

Between the Nora Patio and the riding arena, the enchanting atmosphere of the 18th-century Portuguese court is recreated — an immersive experience where art, history, and the harmony between horse and rider come vividly to life before your eyes.

What’s included

• Self-guided visit to the Nora Patio, including the stables and training arena, where you can follow a themed route and observe the grooms’ care of the horses.
• Access to the Henrique Calado Riding Ring to watch the horses’ warm-up and schooling exercises with riders in period costume. On Wednesdays, this session takes the form of a performance.
• Free digital app “Arte Equestre” with audio guide, available in Portuguese, English and French, to enrich your visit, allowing you to: explore the marked points of interest in the Nora Patio; during presentations, access full information about the ongoing performance, including details of the acts, horses, riders, and exercises in progress.

Opening hours

• Mondays to Fridays
• 11am > 12pm: visit to the Nora Patio
• 12am > 1pm: presentation in the Henrique Calado Riding Ring

How to get there

• The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art facilities in Belém are located at the following coordinates – 38º 42’ 00.98” N 9º 12’ 00.08” W.
• Public transport: Accessible by train (Cascais Line – Belém Station), tram (no. 15) or bus (nos. 728, 714, 727, 729, 751).
• Private vehicle: follow directions to Belém; the facilities are located on Calçada da Ajuda (near no. 23).
• Parques de Sintra’s responsibilities are limited to the parks and monuments under its management and do not extend to external circumstances, namely access routes and transport to the sites.

Additional Information

• For logistical reasons, on some Wednesdays there may be no presentation, only regular training sessions. Please check the online calendar.
• Access to the box and the south stand involves accessibility constraints (stairs).