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Belém of the Discoveries Print
Belém is the symbolic expression par excellence of the epic age of Discoveries. Lisbon’s maritime port saw the arrival and departure of caravels and ships loaded with spices from the East. In order to guard the port, the beautiful Torre de S. Vicente in Belém (S. Vincent’s Tower) was built. The Monastery of Santa Maria de Belém (the Jerónimos), however, was built to protect and keep the souls of Portuguese sailors. We recommend you get acquainted with the monuments, stories and symbols connected to this great maritime adventure. Come visit these two UNESCO World Heritage sites, and also take the opportunity to see the Ermida de S. Jerónimo (S. Jerónimo Hermitage) and the Rua Vieira Portuense, with its buildings dating back to the 1500s and 1600s.
On the way, marvel at the Tagus seen from the top of the Padrão das Descobertas (Monument to the Discoveries), designed by Cottinelli Telmo and Leopoldo de Almeida in 1940 for the Portuguese World Exhibition, and set in stone in 1960. If you are a nature lover, make sure to pay a visit to the Tropical Botanical Garden, where you can find a number of exotic species from the old colonial territories. You can also take the opportunity to get to know the lush Vasco da Gama and Afonso de Albuquerque gardens.
Tour Half day (average time): 3h30 | Tour Full day (average time): 7h
Tour summary
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Rua Vieira Portuense
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Tropical Botanical Gardens
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Jerónimos Monastery
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Museum of the Navy
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Imperial Square
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Monument to the Discoveries
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Belém Tower
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Museum of the Combatant
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São Jerónimo Hermitage
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