Belém


The historic neighbor to Lisbon makes for a nice sidetrip


Images of Lisbon -- Part Two: Belém

Belém is an area to the west of the Caixa. It's easy to get there via a trolley or by a commuter train from the Cais do Sodre metro stop. Along with the Renaissance structures are ultramodern ones. There are a series of museums as well. Belém is a wonderful place. You can spend two whole days there if you needed to.

 

 The Cultural Center of Belém (l) is a rather new structure that houses the Museum of Design and performances spaces, as well as music and art stores. The Tower of Belém (r) is a wonder bit of Italian Renaissance architecture that has seen ships come and go from Lisboa for centuries.

 The Monument of the Discoveries is a six-storey structure built on the Tejo River. It was constructed by Salazar, the dictator (1928-1968), to memorialize Portugal's glorious past of discoveries and trade. The figure to the far right is Henry the Navigator, a King of Portugal who never left the country. The Monastery of Jeronimos (r) is a large complex set back from the water. There is a striking old/new contrast in this part of Portugal's capital.

Posted: Tue - December 12, 2000 at 01:13 AM        

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