The Monastery of Santa Maria of Belém has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1983. D. Manuel I ordered its construction and work began in 1502 under the supervision of Diogo Boitaca who designed the church, the cloister, part of the main doorway and the south gate. Here one can find portraits by Nicolau de Chanterenne of D. Manuel I and his first wife Queen Maria. On the south façade, facing the old Belém beach, a magnificent doorway executed by João de Castilho displays the image of the great initiator of the discoveries Henry the Navigator in between the doors.

An epitome of religious Manueline architecture, the Monastery of Santa Maria of Belém is an extraordinary anthem to one of the greatest moments in the history of Portugal. D. Manuel I and other kings of Portugal are buried inside this three-nave church, which is covered by a single ribbed dome. At the entrance to the church, under the upper choir, one can also find the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões.