Located in the southwestern part of Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, Bairro de Belém is a historic district that offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich past. Known for its stunning architectural marvels and iconic landmarks that retrace Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, this riverside neighborhood is an essential stop on any Lisbon itinerary.
The History of Bairro de Belém
Bairro de Belém holds significant historical importance as it was from here that many great Portuguese explorers embarked on their voyages during the 15th and 16th centuries. This period known as The Age of Discovery marked Portugal’s ascendancy to world leadership in exploration and trade. Among these explorers were Vasco da Gama who set sail from here to India and Ferdinand Magellan who started his circumnavigation voyage.
Monumental Landmarks
The district houses some of Lisbon’s most important monuments including Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery). Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites symbolizing the grandeur of Portuguese maritime discoveries.
Torre de Belém was built between 1514-1520 by King Manuel I as part of a defense system at the mouth of Tagus river and also served as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. Its unique design incorporates both Moorish-inspired watchtowers with Gothic detailing – representing distinct periods in Portuguese history.
Jeronimos Monastery is another magnificent example showcasing Manueline architecture style – a blend between Gothic artistry with maritime elements reflecting Portugal’s naval achievements. It was built around 1501-1601 serving originally as home for monks Order Saint Jerome whose spiritual duty included praying for king’s soul ensuring God’s protection over seafarers departing nearby port.
Cultural Highlights
Bairro de Belém is also home to several museums, including the Museu Coleção Berardo (Berardo Collection Museum), which boasts one of Europe’s most acclaimed modern and contemporary art collections. For those interested in Portugal’s naval history, the Museu de Marinha (Maritime Museum) offers a comprehensive chronicle of Portugal’s seafaring heritage.
The Famous Pastéis de Belém
No visit to Bairro de Belém would be complete without trying its famous culinary delight – Pastéis de Belém. These delicious custard tarts were first made by monks at Jeronimos Monastery back in 1837 using an ancient secret recipe from medieval times. Today, they are still produced in a bakery just steps away from the monastery – drawing locals and tourists alike for this sweet treat.
Getting Around Bairro De Belem
Belém is easily accessible from central Lisbon via tram or train with journey time around 15-20 minutes. Once there, many of its attractions can be explored on foot along pleasant riverside promenades giving you scenic views over Tagus river and iconic 25th April Bridge resembling San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bairro de Belém provides visitors with a rich tapestry of history, culture and gastronomy that encapsulates much of what makes Lisbon such a captivating city. Whether you’re marvelling at centuries-old architectural wonders or savouring traditional Portuguese pastries while soaking up sun-drenched riverside views – there’s no doubt that this charming district will leave lasting memories long after your Lisbon trip ends.
Frequently asked questions
What is the historical significance of Bairro de Belém in Lisboa?
Bairro de Belém, located in Lisbon’s western district, holds great historical significance for Portugal. It was from this waterfront neighborhood that many of the great Portuguese explorers embarked on their voyages during the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries. The area is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: The Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both built in a unique Portuguese style known as Manueline architecture.
What are some must-see attractions when visiting Bairro de Belém?
The most iconic landmarks include the aforementioned Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery). Don’t miss Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries), which pays tribute to Portugal’s age of exploration. Another popular attraction is Museu Coleção Berardo, a modern art museum with works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and more. For food lovers, it’s essential to visit Pastéis de Belém bakery where you can taste authentic Pasteis de Nata – traditional Portuguese custard tarts.
How do I get around Bairro De Belem?
Bairro De Belem is well connected with public transportation options including buses and trams which connect it with central Lisbon. Tram 15E departs from Praça da Figueira or Praça do Comércio squares straight to Belem. Alternatively, you could take a scenic walk along Tagus river bank from downtown Lisbon; it takes about an hour but offers beautiful views along its route.
When is the best time to visit Bairro De Belem?
Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which means it’s pleasant to visit year-round. However, spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are especially nice times to visit Bairro De Belem as the weather is warm but not overly hot. These seasons also tend to be less crowded with tourists than summer.
Are there any special events or festivals in Bairro de Belém?
Bairro de Belém hosts several cultural events throughout the year. One of the most notable is Dia de Portugal on June 10th, when parades and performances take place across Lisbon, often centered around Jerónimos Monastery. The area also participates in city-wide celebrations like Festas de Lisboa in June featuring street parties and traditional music concerts.
