I'll just tell you about the Belem District of Lisbon.

In the event you aren't already convinced that Portugal can be a travel bargain worth a visit, you will probably be. There's a few days worth of sightseeing here, and also you can't genuinely say you've seen Lisbon without seeing Belem.

If much of Portugal is explained by its explorer past, then right here is the district to discover that history. You will find various crucial sights from Portugal's golden age of explorers. It was from this district that a lot of on the good Portuguese explorers left to "discover the world".

From downtown Lisbon, grab one of several yellow trams. If you are lucky, they might be operating one of the the old yellow trams. Much more usually now you will be on one of several new fast trams. It is the line #15 which will allow you to get out for the Belem region which is about four miles from downtown.

The Monastery of Jeronimos (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos) is most likely probably the most impressive development within this section. It's said that Vasco Da Gama slept inside a tent and prayed on the site of the creation before he left on his voyage. The monastery was constructed in 1502 by King Manuel I to commemorate that voyage. Da Gama's tomb is inside.

The flamboyant design for this construction is known as Manueline style after the King that made it. It froths with motifs from the sea in a combination of late Gothic and early Renaissance styles. When the monastery was built, later sailors would spend their last night here in prayer ahead of beginning voyages of discovery. The Cloisters inside are gorgeous; its columns decorated again with ornate sea motifs.

The Belem tower looks...cute. That isn't a word that should be used for any fortress that has been built centuries ago to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbor, but this little white tower is as picturesque as it comes. This little fortress is likewise developed in that Manueline style, and it is typically 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..
. with all the significant navigators of Portugal, was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator.

Also check out the Ajuda Palace (Palacio da Ajuda), a luxurious royal palace, stuffed with furniture, tapestries, and statues.

The nearby Belem Palace was made starting within the 16th century. It really is now the official residence of the President of Portugal, so it might be visited only on Saturdays to see 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 among the largest collections of ornate coaches in the planet.

All of these sites are within quick walking distance of each other. There are several cafes within the. Most of the guidebooks will tell you that the ideal places for a drink and pastries (specifically their (custard tarts) are the Antiga Confeitaria de Belem or the Casa Pasteis. We agree it's worth a stop, just be aware that you will not be the only tourist there.

Plan to commit at least one particular full day in this historic district, but do not plan your visit for a Monday. That's the day when many with the sites are closed. Any other day of the week, it will complete your pay a visit to to Lisbon.