Padrao dos Descobrimientos

The Monument to the Discoveries in the fascinating district of Belem marks the achievement of Portuguese seafarers through the centuries.

This is a detail of the structure, showing Prince Henry the Navigator ( whose mother was of the English princess Philippa of Lancaster). It was originally put up in 1940, for the Exposicao do Mundo Portugues, the exhibition of the Portuguese world. Giant statues of Prince Henry, his courtiers, map makers and sailors advance along a plinth towards unknown seas.

We failed to cram onto the number 15 tram yesterday so we set off early for Belem. The Belem Tower is worth the trip too, and so is the Jeronimos Monastery.

However, for me, one of the highlights was the trip to the original bakery where the Pasteis de Belem (a totally addictive custard tart) was invented. They make and sell 20,000 a day.

We helped to contribute to today's total :-)