"Belém: The Heart of the Seafaring Nation" Belém Tip by schmechi

Belém is the heart of the seafaring nation. Once Portuguese caravels were outward bound to discover the seas and new continents from the Restelo-harbour.
Today this history is omnipresent and the three most well-known sights of Lisbon are all situated in Belém.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos:
The first impression you'll get is the gorgeous facade, but the former monastery has far more to offer than its exterior view. Inside you'll see the worth seeing minster and in the patio there is a cloister, one of the most beautiful Gothic monuments I've ever seen.
In the former dormitory there are two museeums, especially the Museu da Marinha is worth to visit, because you'll learn much about Portuguese seafaring history.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos:
This monument is build in the form of a ship and on its railings there are the statues of famous Portuguese people. At the top you'll find Henry the Navigator, behind him Vasco da Gama, and so on... Dwell a bit and think about the achievements of the pictured persons...

Torre de Belém:
Once this watchtower protected the harbour and the Tejo bay, today it is one of the most photographed motifs in Lisbon. You can go inside and look out the hatches and climb the tower, although I dissuade you. It is strenuous and you won't see much more than from the ground.

Address: Belém
Directions: The most stylish way to get to Belém is with the Electrifico 15 from Praça da Figueira or Praça do Comércio, but you can also use Bus Nr. 14 or 43.