"Belém, Portugal" a Belém Travel Page by acemj

Located just a twenty minute tram ride from the heart of Lisbon is the photogenic suburb of Belém. This small district has an impressive collection of monuments and ornately decorated architectural treasures. The importance of Belém is linked with Portugal's rich history of exploration and discovery. It was from here, that the Vasco da Gama set sail on his way to discovering the sea route to India, thereby opening up important trade routes that eventually made Portugal a world power.

The day I visited, the weather was unpredictable. The sun and the rain were playing a game of cat and mouse in the sky, which more than once caused me to get caught outside in a wet downpour (the rainbows were great, though). Despite these minor irritations, I loved my time here. The most amazing sight to me, was the phenomenal central cloister in the monastery, which is the finest cloister I've ever seen. When you visit, make sure you bring plenty of film to capture Lisbon's most photogenic district. Come in the spirit of the famous Portuguese explorers and discover your own favorites of Belém.