BELEM
The glories of Portugal's explorers and the Age of Discovery
Lisbon's most monumental and historical area is Belem. It was from here
that many of the great Portuguese explorers embarked on their voyages of
discovery: Prince Henry the Navigator and the first overseas expedition to
conquer Ceuta in Morocco, Bartholomeu Dias to round the Cape of Good Hope,
the first voyages of Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco da Gama to discover the sea
route to India, and Christopher Columbus stopped here on his way back to
Europe after discovering the New World.
During this time Lisbon flourished with riches pouring into Portugal and
saw the construction of great monuments like the Belem Tower and
Jeronimos Monastery. Today these monuments and their surrounding museums are
essential viewing for any visitor.
With so much to see, the Ajuda Palace and its ostentatious interior
is often overlooked, but combined with the opulence of the popular
Coaches Museum, it's the best place to see the regal grandeur of 18th
century Lisbon and of the European royal families.
For short breaks there are cafes housed in attractive traditional houses
with terraces along Rua Vieira Portuense next to the garden in front
of Belem Palace. But the best place for a drink and pastries is the
cafe Antiga Confeitaria de Belem which has been serving delicious
custard tarts in its rooms adorned with tiles since 1841. You can
have a few inside or buy a dozen to savor by the riverfront as you admire
the monuments, the river, and 25 de Abril Bridge.
Belem's attractions warrant a full-day visit, but don't go on a Monday, when
many of the sites are closed.
See most of Belem's attractions and ride Lisbon's metro, buses, and trams for FREE with the Lisboa Card.
Belem TIPS
The area's top 3 sights: Jeronimos
Monastery, Belem
Tower, Berardo
Museum
Don't forget to: Give in to temptation and have several custard
tarts ("pasteis de belem") at Antiga Confeitaria de Belem.
Off the beaten path: The
Tropical Garden
Transportation: Take tram 15 from downtown's Figueira Square or
Comercio Square
Recommended HOTELS:
Jeronimos 8,
Altis Belem Hotel
Recommended RESTAURANTS:
Feitoria, Vela Latina
MAP of Belem: Where to locate all of Belem's sights
Belem ACCOMMODATION
Hotels:
Jeronimos 8,
Altis Belem
Apartments:
Search for your Belem apartment
Belem ATTRACTIONS
Jeronimos
Monastery - A World Heritage monument; Vasco da Gama's resting place.
Belem
Tower - The city's icon; a symbol of the Age of Discovery.
Berardo Museum - World-class collection of modern art.
Discoveries
Monument - The world's explorers in stone.
Coaches
Museum - The world's largest collection of magnificent royal coaches.
Maritime
Museum - The story of Portugal's pioneering role in world exploration at the sea.
Archaeology
Museum - Archaeological finds from over the centuries.
Belem Cultural
Center - Modern cultural center with regular exhibitions and events.
Tropical
Garden - Beautiful garden with rare plants from around the world.
Belem
Palace - The home of Portugal's President.
Memoria
Church - Elegant neoclassical church.
Ajuda
Palace - An extravagant royal palace.
Ajuda
Botanical Garden - Beautiful gardens overlooking the river.
25
de Abril Bridge - Golden Gate's twin sister.
Docas - Attractive dock area with cosmopolitan
bars and restaurants.
Monument to
Christ - Christ opens His arms to the city.
Lisbon DISTRICTS
Baixa -
Broad squares, 18th century architecture, patterned pavements, popular
cafes
Bairro
Alto & Chiado - Vibrant nightlife, picturesque streets, classic and
alternative culture, chic shopping, restaurants
Belem -
The Age of Discovery, grandiose monuments, museums
Alfama -
Medieval maze, spectacular views, an imposing castle, the sounds of Fado
Uptown -
Masterpieces and museum treasures, shopping malls
Parque
das Nações - The 21st century by the Tagus; futuristic architecture
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