The Belem district is an expensive residential area next to the Tagus river. It is also where the three most important landmarks of Lisbon located.
Torre de Belem (Belem Tower)
Padrao dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
This monument was built to commemorate the Portuguese discovery expeditions in 15th and 16th century to the unknown destinations. The objective of the expeditions was to find the source of trading goods such as gold, silver and spices instead of getting it from other European countries which could be very expensive. The expeditions led to the discovery of Brazil, India, and the South East Asia and resulted to the colonization era for the rest of the world.
The people who involved in the discovery expeditions. The left most is Henry the Navigator.
Indonesia, discovered in 1512.
25th April bridge
The bridge was modeled after the Golden Gate of San Francisco. On the other side of the bridge is the monument of Christ the Redeemer. It is similar to the one in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (Jeronimos Monastery)
The tomb of Vasco da Gama
We had lunch at a small cafe. The price of the food was different whether you opt to sit or eat at the bar (means standing). We chose to eat at the bar to experience it, err... not very comfortable hehehe...
Praca da Figuera, this was where the cafe located.
Pisang Ambon, will try this liquor one day.
Portuguese chicken, very nice.
Portuguese Tart
We went back to Belem for the most original Portuguese tart from this pastry shop. According to the guide book, they were the first one selling this custard tart. The tarts were so yummy. After we had one at the shop we tapao a few back. Couldn't get enough of them. This was really the highlight of my stay in Lisbon. :)
See the word 'Belem' at the sidewalk, the word was formed using darker stones. This kind of sidewalk were quite common in Lisbon.
Oops, took a bite already. :)
They also gave icing sugar and cinnamon packets for take away.
Praca de Comercio
Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift)
Took this elevator up.
The view up here.
Castelo de Sao Jorge (Saint George castle), didn't have time to go there. :(
The city center is very hilly and the street is very very narrow and steep. It is impossible for the bus to go up so the only transportation is the tram. We bought a one day tram ticket and took all the tram routes. It was so relaxing but unfortunately time was running out. There were a few more places we wanted to go but it was already getting dark. One day was definitely not enough for Lisbon.
The old fashioned tram
Took the metro back to hotel.
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