Beautiful Belém

Belém Tower, Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal

“National Monument and World Heritage (UNESCO), an identity symbol of the city of Lisbon and Portugal in the world, it is historically and artistically associated with the Jerónimos Monastery and the Portuguese Discoveries. Built between 1514 and 1519, on a basaltic outcrop, some distance from the north bank of the river, it combines two distinct architectural models: the tall tower, in the style of a keep, with a medieval appearance; and the bulwark, a modern military device. This hexagonal body – positioned at a low level and advanced into the river, equipped with gunboats – allowed for firing in a low shot. The Belém Tower is, therefore, a valuable testimony that, at the time, the old neuroballistic throwing war, provided by the high and recessed tower, gave way to the pyroballistic war of heavy artillery and low fire, guaranteed by the bulwark.” – Website.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos, Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal

“Isolated and highlighted on the banks of the Tagus, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a commemorative mark, in the middle of the 20th century, of the entire time of non-European conquest and exploration, driven by the kings of the Avis dynasty and centered on the action of Infante D.Henrique, lord of the Military Order of Christ.” – Website.

Belém Lighthouse, Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal.

Time for a 2-minute photo opportunity at one of the many beautiful sights along the waterfront. It is a relic of the 1940 World’s Fair in Portugal and was built as part of an exhibition on maritime history. It never truly functioned as a lighthouse or beacon.

Jerónimos Monastery, Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal.

The Jeronimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Portuguese 16th-century architecture, has been designated, together with the Tower of Belém as a National Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983).

Tropical Botanical Garden, Largo dos Jerónimos, 1400-209 Lisboa, Portugal.

It’s a stone’s throw away from Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Palace, the official residence of the Portuguese president. The garden is worth seeing with tropical flora over about seven hectares. Previously known as the Colonial Garden, it is now a National Monument. 

Pastéis de Belém, R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal.

Don’t miss our article about this world-famous spot and the recipe to make the delicious Portuguese custard tarts once you’ve returned home from your holiday.

Praça do Império, 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal.

In today’s world of the new and the modern, and chasing the next best new and modern, it is a welcome break to meander in the lovely Praça do Império.

What we see today goes back to the year 1940 when the garden was created to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the independence of Portugal and the 300th anniversary of the Restoration.

And it is on this serene note that we end a day full of culture, history, gourmet tasting, and nature. All in a single day! That’s Belém for you!