Santa Maria de Belém, Historical District of Lisbon
Donovan Baldwin

Portugal's history holds a long skein of stories of sea explorers and exploration, and filled with colorful tales of discovery. This history is amply illustrated in Lisbon's Belem section. For the visitor to Lisbon, Portugal's small but interesting capital city, there are enough things to see and do to occupy several vacations.

One of the most often visited sites is the Jeronimos Monastery, which is known in English as the Monastery of the Hieronymites. Built in 1502, the cloisters of the monastery contain many maritime themes in agreement with Lisbon's relationship to the sea in the form of carved sea monsters, coiled ropes and nautical images. The exterior of the monastery is home to a garden with elaborately shaped bushes depicting many of Portugal's coats-of-arms.

Not far away, the renowned Belem Tower, also known as the Tower of St. Vincent, can be found. It was ompleted in 1515 and was intended to serve as a fortress guardiong Lisbon's harbor. From this very spot many of Portugal's great explorers began their now legendary journeys. The tower offers the visitor to Lisbon more than just a site of historical significance. It is also a work of art. Festooned with many sculptures, it will be of great interest to any lover of statuary and other outdoor art.

The Discoveries, or dos Descobrimentos is the name given to the long list of Portugal's "firsts" in exploration. Covering the monument are carvings incorporating many of the themes of The Discoveries. Here can be found tribute to Bartolomeu Dias' trip around the Cape of Good Hope, the voyages of Magellan, Vasco da Gama's discovery of the sea route to India and many more exploits by Portugese adventurers.

That theme is continued in the nearby Discoveries Monument. Completed in 1960 and located on the North bank of the Rio Tejos, it also recalls many of the same heroic exploits but in a much more modern manner. Made of huge, rectangular blocks of stone, the carved figures of Portugal's most famous heroes are crowded along one ramp near its base. Some feel the overall effect is that of a group of heroes, in the throes of curiosity and daring, rushing to see what lies ahead of them.

The Discoveries Monument, or Padrão dos Descobrimentos, was designed to represent a three-masted ship ready to set sail on an unknown ocean, armed only with a crew of Portugal's shining examples of courage and curiosity. Cartographers, monks and others follow Infante, or Prince, Henry the Navigator as they set out on their great quest to discover what lies beyond the horizon of both land and knowledge. The interior of the Discoveries Monument contains exhibit space where visitors can see a film about Lisbon, and then climb to the top for a view of the spectacular surroundings.

But, besides the tower and the monument, the district of Santa Maria de Belém offers other fascinating sights as well.

One such notable edifice is the Ajuda Palace, constructed in the early 19th century, offers tourists a look at Lisbon's royal past. Considered by many to be one of Europe's most perfectly designed and constructed romantic buildings. its neo-classical facade provides a bold view of one of the highlights of the architecture of the period. Despite the overwhelming outer appearance, even more impressive sights await the visitor within.

Once inside, the viewer is in a space filled with tapestries, marble statues and thousands of objet d'arts. The Ajuda Palace is a fine way to occupy the attention and senses of those who enjoy fine art. The frescoed ceilings alone are breathtaking and cold make the trip worthwhile for many.

People around the region know how an afternoon should be spent, so, take a break in the heat of the afternoon and enjoy a refreshing drink or light meal at one of the many cafes in Belém. When you feel refreshed enough, slip your walking shoes back on and set out for sights such as the Berardo Museum, the 25 de Abril Bridge, or Ponte 25 de Abril and the many other sights to be found in this historical district of Lisbon.

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