Court Halts Lisbon's Monument Entry Fee Exemption for Locals, Citing Discrimination

A recent court decision has put an end to the controversial practice allowing only Lisbon residents free entry to national monuments managed by the city's municipal culture company. The Administrative Court of the South Central Region accepted a precautionary measure on June 18, following a lawsuit filed by the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP). This measure targets the discriminatory treatment between Lisbon residents and other national residents regarding access to cultural heritage sites.

Among the affected sites are the Castle of São Jorge and the Fernando Pessoa House, including its collection. The MP's Department Central de Contencioso do Estado e Interesses Coletivos e Difusos (DCCEICD) emphasized the court's decision to cease the differentiated treatment, ensuring equal access conditions for all national residents to these cultural assets.

The lawsuit was initiated after the MP identified discriminatory practices in the access conditions to national monuments in Lisbon, managed by EGEAC, particularly the exemption from ticket payment based on the visitor's residence. The DCCEICD argues this violates the right to universal and equal access to national cultural goods.

EGEAC – Empresa de Gestão de Equipamentos e Animação Cultural, E.M., S.A., has been approached for comments on how it plans to implement the court's decision, but a response is still pending.