For some tourists Belém is a “gateway” from the center of Lisbon; it is located just 6-7 km from Rossio square, but it is actually an independent area of the city if compared to more central districts like Baxia, Chiado, and Alfama. Located on the shores of the Tagus river, Belém is an enchanting place to visit, especially on a sunny day thanks to its riverside that runs for kilometers, as well as its wide open spaces with parks and gardens, and so many monuments in Manueline style shining under the sunshine. There is no ocean here, as we are located on the mouth of a river; yet the Belém district has its own sea charme. Maybe it is connected to the fact that a very special expedition that marked the history of maritime conquers of Portugal departed from here: we are talking about Vasco de Gama who in 1497 left on a two years journey across the Indies.
The most famous monument of Belém is its majestic Belém Tower, which seems to emerge from the waters of the Tagus river and stands against the blue sky of Lisbon. It was built in 1515 for defensive purposes and today it has become one of the symbols of the times of the great maritime discoveries. Its color is grey and it melts different elements and styles like Gothic, Bizantine, and Manueline. It is so astonishing that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another monument symbol of the great colonial past of Portugal, and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos), which was built under order of king Dom Manuel I to celebrate the epic venture of Vasco da Gama. The explorer is buried inside the monastery, along with the writers Fernando Pessoa and Luìs de Camões. The Jeronimos - a group of monks that lived inside the monastery for about four centuries - were the spiritual guides of the sailors.
In 1960 the Monument to the Discoveries, or Padrão dos Descobrimentos, was shaped; a huge white stone monument sculpted in the form of a caravel, featuring dozens of figures of the greatest Portuguese explorers. Take the lift and get to the top of the monument to see the view over the river.
A sweet stop in Belém, almost a pilgrimage for dozens and dozens of tourists: welcome to the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, an historical Lisbonian pastry shop where you can eat the famous pasteis de Belém. We recommend to eat inside rather than to ask for take away; the hall is beautifully decorated with white and blue azulejos.
2 окт 2024
