Walking in Belem district

The Belem district in Lisbon is the epitome of history and great discoveries. From here, the brave adventurers went on fragile caravels to the unknown ocean with the mission of discovering a new world. A visit to the Monastery of Hieronymites and Torre de Belem, built in the Manueline style, will take us back to the times of the Great Portuguese Empire.

The old quarter, miraculously preserved after the Lisbon earthquake of 1755, is considered the main historical value in the city. In the Monastery of Jerónimos lies the national hero Vasco da Gama, who opened the sea route to India in 1498, and King Manuel I, who once gave the name to the unique Portuguese architectural style of Manueline.

The openwork Bethlehem Tower or Torre de Belem was built in the early XVI century as a defensive structure on the Tagus River. On it for the first time in Europe was carved from stone the image of the strange animal rhinoceros, which sailors brought as a gift to King Manuel the Happy from India in 1515.

The monument to the discoverers, made in the form of a sword and at the same time a ship, is decorated with figures outstanding for the Age of Maritime Discoveries of the Portuguese. One of the most popular is Luis de Camões, the author of the universally recognized masterpiece of world literature of the national epic poem “Lusiades”, the founder of the modern Portuguese language.

The National Maritime Museum is considered one of the most popular in Portugal. His collection includes models of sailing ships and submarines, paintings and shapes of sailors, navigation devices of old times and royal boats in life size. Particularly admired is the decoration of the royal cabins taken from the yacht of Queen Dona Amelia.

The collection of the National Carriage Museum in Lisbon is amazing and considered the best in the world. Many of the royal carriages of the XVI - XX centuries were donated by the French, Spanish, Austrians, Italians and Danes. But national carriages were considered the most durable and reliable. It is recommended to visit with children.

Not far from the residence of the head of the republic and the presidential museum, with honorary regalia and awards, there is an old cake factory. Discovered by the Hieronymites in 1837, it is known far beyond Portugal. If desired, you can try a special cake with a delicate custard, prepared according to a unique recipe that is not disclosed to anyone.

To meet the allotted time, choose to visit either the Maritime Museum or the Carriage Museum.