Belem, Lisbon - day 4

Today we took a tram to Belem. It was a squash, and standing room only. It slowly ambled along the coast to the neighbouring suburb of Lisbon, Belem. Nearer to the mouth of the river Tejo. We got off at the centre municipal and headed towards the water’s edge, then along the front.

Found a nice place in the shade for a coffee, and planning. So over the course of the beautiful warm day, we visited the amazing monument to commemorate the many explorers Portugal has produced, two I recall from school being Vasco de Garma and Magellan but as you can see in this huge carved monument there were lots. The one at the front was Prince Henry the navigator. Generally I think 15th and 16th century. It is an impressive structure. I took loads of photos.

A short bit further along the front was the Tower of Belem built to defend the river mouth and the monastery - originally built in the middle of the river - in the 1500’s. Quite amazing to see.

Further along was the monument to fallen soldiers from the overseas war from 1961 to 1974…or something like that. We saw the changing of the guard. Lots more photos taken.

Then back to buy something for lunch (a giant custard filled croissant) and a pastel de nata each from the bakery most famed for these delicious pastries. So not an overly healthy lunch. We sat on the grass in the shade of an orange or big satsuma tree!

We walked back to the monastery. A most impressive building. Queues had been long all day. We had to buy tickets on line, but were a bit conned by this- we should have gone to the ticket booth opposite. When we went the queue was only about 20 minutes instead of the hour or more which it had been. It is stunning inside. Difficult to describe, but worth the visit.

The adjacent church was free to enter and also magnificent inside. The tomb of Vasco de Garma is inside so I wanted to photograph that, although not sure photographs were really allowed, others were. I took a couple.

Flagging, we headed to the tram stop for the slow ride back. An hour resting then we went out to find somewhere to eat. The choice of so many, but we were looking to spend no more than 20 ratios each. We were seduced by a very persuasive chap and had a good meal. I had pork chips and salad. A very large tankard of beer too. Then a quick wander round the very atmospheric eating area, where the streets are full of seating and people. It’s quite buzzing in the evening.

Now home as we have an early start for our booked trip to Sintra tomorrow.