Tuesday wafts through and it’s time for more photos, less words again. Although I do feel I am compelled to write a little bit each time. Today the destination is the… township perhaps (?) of Belem, a short tram ride from the centre of Lisbon, the Portuguese capital.
Lisbon itself is a pretty photogenic place, but Belem, although I think technically still part of Lisbon, has its own ambiance and style. Whether it be from the historic buildings there, the two main ones being the Belem Tower and the Monastery of Saint Jerome, or the fact that you are along the Tagus River but closer to the ocean, as it gets wider and wider and you can see the famous 25th of April Bridge in the distance and the boats on the river and get a real sense of scale. It’s delightful, with park areas too if you fancy a picnic. And then there is the Museu Nacional des Coches, or the Museum of Coaches/Carriages, mostly horse drawn which is quite unique in of itself. But – words, words, words PLEASE! Let’s get to the photos!
Aside from the historical buildings are these less impressive apartment buildings From Belem looking back at Lisbon Looking back at the 25h of April Bridge Park in Belem Sail boat on the river View from Belem Tower View of Belem from Tower
A regal coach indeed in the Museum of Coaches Incredible designs in the Museum of Coaches More intricate work in the Museum of Carriages Who fancies a ride?
Saint Jerome Monastery Large hall St Jerome Monastery Inside the St Jerome Church Cloisters in the St Jerome Monastery Arch shot across St Jerome Monastery More cloister shots
Through a window in the tower Belem Tower Belem Tower over water Belem Tower from Afar
There’s no doubt that you could spend a full day in Belem. Considering it’s so close to Lisbon proper, I’m not sure you could call it a ‘day trip’ from Lisbon, nevertheless there are worse places on the Earth to spend a day. Thanks for popping by! May the Journey Never End!
The Portuguese have made this part of Lisbon a paradise for tourists. I remember the enchantment of visiting the monastery and your photos give a beautiful picture of it. There is also the inspiring Monument to the Discoveries.
yes they have really done a great job! Thanks for commenting!
Lisbon is one of my favorite cities I’ve visited; Portugal is one of my favorite countries I’ve visited in Europe, period! I had a short, half day in Belem, but I really enjoyed my visit of the Belem Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery; I also got to eat Portuguese suckling pig for lunch, which was fantastic. Thanks for sharing your memories and helping me remember mine fondly!
and thank YOU for commenting Rebecca!
I loved the Belem tower and the monastery but we didn’t have time to see the coaches museum, however, we ate pasteis de belem in that famous bakery here:)
that bakery is so cool, and so big! Thanks for stopping by Tanya!
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The monastery looks super interesting. We passed Belem when we sailed out of Lisbon with the cruise ship, but did not have enough time to get there. After seeing all your pics I am for sure going back to Lisbon!
great! You will love this part of the city!