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Belém is a picturesque district to the west of central Lisbon. Belém stretches along the banks of the River Tejo and comprises of carefully maintained parks inter spaced by important historical monuments and interesting tourist attractions. Belém traditionally was the district where Lisbon's elite resided to escape the dirt and poverty of the city, mainly Alfama. Still today Belém still retains an air of opulence and grandeur.

Portugal's golden age of discovery originated in Belém, such great explores as Vasco de Gama and Henry the Navigator departed from the harbours of Belém to explore the uncharted oceans. The subsequent wealth that these voyages generated and the trade from the colonies which funneled back into Belém by the construction of the impressive Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.

 

Contained within the carefully maintained parks of Belém is the delightful Torre Belém which once defended the mouth of the River Tejo, Portugal's most ornate monastery Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, the Discoveries Monument , the Belém Cultural Centre, the monument to fallen soldiers and the home of the Lisbon custard cake.

Belém is designed to be discovered on foot, in an unhurried manner and unlike the central Lisbon there are no steep hills to contend with. An enjoyable and leisurely afternoon can be had wandering the sights and length of Belém, let us guide you through the walking tour.

 

Belém is reached by traveling by trams heading in a westerly direction from Praca do Comercio. Both the traditional and modern style trams travel to Belém, the old trams provide a classical way to travel but the new have the blessing of air conditioning. A single ticket cost €1.70 and can be bought from the ticket machine on the tram. The route passes the regenerated dock area and under the 25th Of April Bridge and takes approximately 15 minutes.

The first sight of the Belém walking tour is the Palácio Nacional de Belém (Belém National Palace) this is grand pink building which overlooks the Tejo and is the official residence of the president of Portugal. Head towards the Tejo passing through the Square of Afonso de Albuquerque, the first of numerous neatly laid gardens, this park used to be a busy harbour up until the 18 century. In the centre is a monument dedicated to Afonso de Albuquerque staring gracefully over the Tejo.

 

To the west of the Belém National Palace is the National Vehicle Museum, housed in the grand 18th century royal riding hall, which contains the most comprehensive collections of carriages in the world.

There is a footbridge to the east of the park which allows crossing of the road and rail and to stroll along the water front. The walk west along the mouth of the Tejo, towards the Discoveries Monument (approximately 500m) provides pleasant views of the 25th Of April Bridge and Statue of Christ the King on the opposite bank of the Tejo.

The Discoveries Monument (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is situated at the month of the old harbour (which no long exists), where all of the great expeditions left to discover the riches of the new worlds. The carved statues on the side of the monument, reaching up to the heavens, illustrate the explorers to the west side and the supports of the voyages on the east side. Inside (entrance €3) there is a lift taking visitors to the top for spectacular panoramic views of the Tejo, Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and the tiled map of the world as discovered by the Portuguese, a gift from South Africa.

 

To reach the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos gardens there is a cleverly hidden underpass north of the monument. Before venturing into the vast complex of the monastery boost your energy levels with the reputedly best Pastries de Belém (custard cakes) in Portugal.

 

The Cafe “Pasties de Belém” is the tradition home cake eating nature of the Portuguese and is in the northeast of the park, the shop can not be missed as it is always has a crowd outside. Cakes cost €1.40 for one or a pack of 6 for €7. Apparently it sells over 10,000 tarts a day (with the record day being 55,000 sold!).

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