Belém: History, Art and a little Pastry Tell the Story of Portugal
- mariapaolagemma
- 2 apr
- 4 minuten om te lezen
Belém, located along the banks of the Tagus River, is a fusion of history, art and architecture, which tells the story of the Portuguese maritime discoveries and the legacy of the colonies. If you are planning a visit to the capital, you cannot miss this district full of monuments and a culinary delicacy that you cannot miss!
But first, let's see the highlights of this area, once isolated from Lisbon and surrounded by water, today instead an integral part of the city easily connected to the city center.
Ready for this journey around the world?
The Belém Tower, a symbol of history and architecture built at the beginning of the 16th century to protect the entrance to the Tagus River and as a reference point for ships departing for the routes of maritime discoveries. Characterized by a fascinating architecture called Manueline, a mix of late Gothic and Portuguese Renaissance, the Belém Tower stands majestically on the bank of the river and is constantly bathed by the water of the river that surrounds it.
The Fort of Good Success and the History of the Portuguese Resistance.
The Fort of Good Success tells the story of the Portuguese soldiers during the Colonial War (1961-1974) and the history of Portugal's military resistance. The museum is a reminder of the hardships, sacrifices and challenges faced by Portuguese fighters in Africa during a period of great political and social turbulence.
The Monument to the Discoveries, a Tribute to the Explorers.
One of the most impressive and evocative places in Belém is the Monument to the Discoveries, erected in 1960 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, one of the most important figures in Portuguese maritime exploration. This monument, which overlooks the river as if it were a ship ready to set sail at any moment, features statues of many explorers, including Vasco da Gama and Fernão Magalhães to name a few. The monument is a tribute to the glorious Age of Discoveries that shaped Portugal and the entire world, as Portuguese navigators were the first to discover remote areas of the world such as India, the Cape of Good Hope and Brazil.
Jerónimos Monastery, the masterpiece of the Manueline Renaissance.
A short distance from the Monument to the Discoveries is the majestic Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture and one of the most visited sites in Lisbon. Founded in 1501 to celebrate Vasco da Gama's return from his discoveries in India, the monastery is a stunning example of the wealth and power that Portugal possessed during the age of great exploration. The church of Santa Maria, inside, houses the tombs of Vasco da Gama and other historical figures, making the monastery a place of great symbolic and spiritual significance for the nation.
The intricate details of its Gothic and Renaissance decorations are breathtaking, and the eye seems to get lost in the myriad of details. This elegant monument almost seems to be made of sand due to the warm color of the golden limestone used, called calcário de lioz, and is so richly decorated. Despite the historicity of the monument, inside rests a contemporary figure of Portuguese literature, Fernando Pessoa.
We come to the most famous dessert in Portugal, the Pasteis de Nata, whose history is linked to the area of Belem. It is said that the original recipe for pastéis de nata was born in the Pastéis de Belém, a historic pastry shop that has been baking these warm sweet baskets since 1837, the true recipe of which remains a secret to this day.
Without a doubt they have a very thin pastry that melts and crumbles at the touch of your fingers. This thin basket contains a sweet and soft cream, all served hot. Cinnamon or powdered sugar can be added to the pastel. Ideal with a coffee, an orange juice or a tea.
Art, Culture and History of the Portuguese Colonies, the district of Belém is the guardian of the historical and cultural memory of Portugal. This area of the city celebrates the age of exploration, of the Portuguese colonies and the the birth of a dessert that has now become an essential part of the country.
All that remains is to set off to discover and embark on this journey!
Entrance: with the exception of the Fort of Good Success that is free, the other monuments can be visited for a fee. I suggest to book in advance to avoid long waits. It is possible to taste the Pasteis de Belem both on site and to take away.
How to get there: you can reach this area with the tram 15E from the city center of Lisbon, or with the train from Cais do Sodre, or take an Uber. If you like to walk you can also reach the destination through the walk along the river and rent an electric scooter.
Maria Paola Gemma
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