Belem Lisbon

Belem Lisbon - Historic Riverside Oasis

Belem Lisbon is one of the city's most beautiful historic quarters and our favorite Sunday destination. West of Lisbon center on the banks of Lisbon River Tagus. On the way to the beautiful beaches of Oeiras. Arrive by Lisbon tram 15 or on "The Line" coastal train. A full day out with major Lisbon monuments, Galleries and Cafes. If you don't manage everything in a day, it is a good excuse to come back and try more of the lovely cakes that Belem is famous for. lisbon monuments
Open green spaces and outdoor restaurants. The atmosphere is like a festive provincial Portuguese town. Tall and attractive 17th/18th century houses painted in delightful pastel shades and decorated with Azulejos. azulejos Belem Lisbon has some of the most important Portuguese monuments and Lisbon attractions. Also the famous Lisbon Cake shop and cafe with fabulous Pasteis de Belem cakes opposite the park.

Belem district of Lisbon is intricately linked with Maritime Portuguese History. The combination of Portuguese Culture and green riverside setting makes Belem a beautiful place. Here's a list of Belem Lisbon monuments and our insider tips for a great day. Portuguese History

Monastery of Jeronimos

Major Lisbon attraction and one of the finest Portuguese Monuments. Original Church of Mary of Bethlehem gives Belem its name. Lisbon River Tagus came up to the door until the Lisbon Earthquake changed its course. Jeronimos Monastery was built in 1480 as thanksgiving for Vasco da Gama's discovery of India. Intricate stonework depicts fantastic creatures from the imagination of the seafarers. Henry the Navigator – spiritual head of Portuguese sailors looks out from the doorway. Lisbon Monuments

Tower of Belem

A beautiful 16th century white tower and emblem of Lisbon. Originally a lookout tower surrounded by water, now in a riverside and park setting. Overhanging balconies, exotic turrets and indications of Knight Templar connections lend a romantic and mythic quality. In fact it had a more prosaic tax collecting function for a while but returned to the cultural world as a location for various Portuguese and international films. culture in Lisbon

Belem Gardens and Park

Beautiful large park with views to Jeronimos Monastery, River Tagus and 25 April Bridge. Formal gardens with fountains - Mediterranean and sub-tropical trees for summertime shade. Wide green lawns for occasional cricket matches, childrens playground and Sunday outdoor market. Terrace dining in restaurants with tables under Orange Trees - locals' eat her on Sunday. Brazilian and Portuguese food, plus fast food is available.

Look out for the monument to Henry the Navigator depicting Portugal's Maritime story. Poruguese History

Lisbon Coach Museum

One of the most popular Lisbon attractions - Unforgettable fairy-tale carriages with sumptuous gold exteriors and luxurious upholstered interiors. A feast for the eyes and imagination. Visit soon before the collection is moved from the historic Palace stables to a purpose-built museum. Free cafe-concerts on Sundays. Budget Lisbon

Belem Lisbon Monument to the Discoveries

Modern Portuguese Monument to the country's historic Voyages of Discovery. Built during era of Portuguese dictatorship to commemorate Henry the Navigator's 500th anniversary. Enormous white stone figures depict the combination of Seafaring skills with Political and Religious influences. Monument Elevator allows views over River Tagus and Belem Marina. Fascinating street mosaic charts Portuguese sea routes and colonies. Lisbon monuments

lisbon cakes

Famous Belem Lisbon Cafe for Pasteis de Belem

Delicious Pasteis of Belem

Belem Lisbon famous cafe - Since 1837 the celebrated Pasteis de Nata have been baked here - Warm flaky pastry shells filled with sweet egg custard, dusted with optional cinnamon. The cakes are a blend of Portuguese Culture and History. Portuguese cake making was a traditional skill of the Monasteries and Convents. The egg-based recipes made use of eggs produced on church farms. Cinnamon (Canela) was discovered by Portuguese explorers who sailed East. Early recipe was passed down from the Monastery of Belem and is still kept under lock and key. Table service plus historic azulejos which decorate the walls. A window to the bakery gives a view to the cakes being made. Part of the culinary culture of Portugal - in our experience no Pasteis de Nata taste as good as the ones from this Lisbon cafe!

Belem Cultural Centre and Modern Art Collection

Designed by Architects Vittorio Gregotti and Manuel Salgado– controversy has raged over its modern fort-like appearance. The Impressive Berrado Modern Art Collection is housed within. Roof top terrace with river views, cafe and restaurant. Guided tours and kids workshops. Range of interesting galleries and designer shops for gifts. Culture in Lisbon

Lisbon Maritime Museum

The museum has a large collection of model boats and submarines. Fascinating luxurious ship cabin from the yacht of Portuguese Royal Family (1908) complete with piano and roulette table. Museum gives an insight in to Portuguese Traditions of fishing with display of colorful Portuguese fishing boats. In a hanger-size building there's a great collection of romantic River Barges, Flying Boats. An insight into Portuguese engineering and WWII Aviation History with a plane made of wood and sheet metal.

Lisbon Planetarium

Next to Jeronimos Monastery in Belem Lisbon - 320 seat domed auditorium hosting Portugal's contribution to the 2009 Year of Astronomy - special activities and regular program, NASA Hubble Telescope pictures and Constellations of the Portuguese Sky. Tickets: 2/4 Euros. Free 50 min Childrens Sessions Sunday 11.30. Budget Lisbon

Belem Botanical Gardens

A place to get away from the crowds and experience Lisbon's African colonial connections – sub-tropical flora and fauna, enormous Palm trees around a lake and carved stone African sculptures. One of Lisbon's almost forgotten historical gardens about to be restored to its former glory. Visit it now while these gardens are in a state of romantic dishevelment.
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