Belem

We rode the train from Lisbon to Belem this morning, just 6 km.  Belem is known for it's tower, 

and the role it played in Portuguese maritime discoveries.  Vasco de Gama left Portugal from the Belem Tower on his way east in 1497.  Belem is also known for Jeronimos Monastery, built on 

orders of King Manual I, with construction starting in 1501, after Vasco de Gama's return 

from India.  Both the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  We visited the Museu de Marinha, located in part of Jeronimos Monastery.  

Papa has wanted to see this marine museum for 20 years.  At last! 

 

We had lunch in a local Belem restaurant.  We crossed the street and had pasteis de natal for dessert at the famous Pasteis de Belem.  The little custard pies we had were the best either of us has ever tasted!  We rode a tram back to Lisbon by mid afternoon.  We walked around Lisbon a few more hours, capping off our day with glasses of sangria in a little bar in Alfama.  The sun was shining, everyone was out and enjoying the evening.