Cordoaria Nacional in Lisbon

Cordoaria Nacional is a former state rope-making factory in Lisbon's Belém district that now works as an exhibition centre. The long, narrow building runs parallel to the River Tagus, close to sites tied to Portugal's Age of Discovery.

What was the Cordoaria Nacional for?

The Marquis of Pombal set the factory up in 1771, and construction finished in 1779. It made ropes, cables, sails and flags, along with tailoring supplies for the fleet and for shipowners. Several workshops operated inside, supplying Portuguese vessels with the gear they needed to put to sea. The factory belonged to the Portuguese Navy and formed part of the country's maritime supply chain for more than two centuries.

The design is attributed to the architect Reinaldo Manuel dos Santos. Its most striking feature is its shape: a very elongated hall, suited to rope making, which needs long, uninterrupted runs of space.

From factory to cultural venue

In 1998 the government formally closed the Fábrica Nacional de Cordoaria. The eighteenth-century building had already been classified as a national monument in 1996. In 2000 a small museum section devoted to the history of the rope works was created.

Today the building serves as an exhibition space. It hosts temporary shows, including contemporary art, photography and sculpture, as well as cultural events. The programme changes, so check what is on before you go.

Planning your visit

The Cordoaria stands in Belém, Lisbon, at roughly 38.70 N, 9.19 W. It combines easily with other sights in the district, since the whole area is bound up with Portugal's seafaring past. The building is also worth a look from outside, to appreciate its scale and proportions.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Cordoaria Nacional still make rope? No. The factory was closed in 1998 and the building is now an exhibition space.

Who founded it? It was established on the initiative of the Marquis of Pombal; work began in 1771 and ended in 1779.

What can I see there? Temporary exhibitions, such as contemporary art and photography, plus cultural events. A small display about the factory's history also exists.

Is it a protected monument? Yes, it has been classified as a national monument since 1996.

Where is it? In the Belém district of Lisbon, beside the Tagus.