I'll just tell you about the Belem District of Lisbon.
If you aren't already convinced that Portugal is often a travel bargain worth a stop by, you will be. There is a day or two worth of sightseeing here, and also you can't truly say you've seen Lisbon without seeing Belem.
If much of Portugal is explained by its explorer past, then this is the district to discover that history. You can find many essential sights from Portugal's golden age of explorers. It's from this district that many with the wonderful Portuguese explorers left to "discover the world".
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From downtown Lisbon, grab one of several yellow trams. If you are lucky, they may be running one of the the earlier yellow trams. Additional often now you'll be on one of the new fast trams. It is the line #15 which will get you out towards the Belem district which is four miles from downtown.
The Monastery of Jeronimos (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos) is probably the most impressive construction within this district. It really is said that Vasco Da Gama slept in a tent and prayed on the site of this creation before he left on his voyage. The monastery was made in 1502 by King Manuel I to commemorate that voyage. Da Gama's tomb is inside.
The flamboyant type of this building is called Manueline model after the King that built it. It froths with motifs from the sea in a combination of late Gothic and early Renaissance styles. After the monastery was created, later sailors would spend their last night here in prayer just before beginning voyages of discovery. The Cloisters inside are lovely; its columns decorated again with ornate sea motifs.
The Belem tower looks...cute. That isn't a word that should be utilized for a fortress that has been constructed centuries ago to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbor, but this small white tower is as picturesque as it comes. This little fortress is also made in that Manueline type, and it is usually applied as a symbol with the country.
The Monument towards the Discoveries (Padrao dos Descobrimentos) is really a "new monument". This stone representation of a ship ready to sail..<br>. with all the significant navigators of Portugal, was made in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator.
Also stop by the Ajuda Palace (Palacio da Ajuda), a luxurious royal palace, filled with furniture, tapestries, and statues.
The nearby Belem Palace was constructed starting in the 16th century. It truly is now the official residence of the President of Portugal, so it can be visited only on Saturdays to view its richly furnished halls. Do not miss the Coaches Museum (Museu dos Coches) that is part of the Belem Palace. Visits to this part of the palace aren't restricted to Saturdays. It has one of many largest collections of ornate coaches in the world.
All of these sites are within quick walking distance of each other. There are many cafes inside the area. Most of the guidebooks will show you that the greatest places for the drink and pastries (especially their (custard tarts) are the Antiga Confeitaria de Belem or the Casa Pasteis. We agree it is worth a stop, just know that you won't be the only tourist there.
Program to spend a minimum of one full day in this historic district, but don't plan your trip for the Monday. That's the day when a lot of from the sites are closed. Any other day on the week, it will complete your pay a visit to to Lisbon.
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