SEVENSEAS Marine Conservation & Travel Issue 24, May 2017 | Page 64

The riverfront zone incorporates one of the city’s most paradigmatic neighbourhoods in terms of heritage buildings associated to the Discoveries era: Belém. Vasco da Gama’s ships set sail from the beach in Belém in search of the maritime route to India. One senses the grandeur of the former empire everywhere.

Implanted in the magnificent Praça do Império, we encounter the Monastery of Jerónimos - one of the capital’s most beautiful monuments. The Manueline building’s architectural excellence is evident and it has been listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Another magnificent Manueline monument is the Tower of Belém, also listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. But Belém’s attractions go far beyond its historical monuments.

One of the zone’s contemporary attractions is the Centro Cultural de Belém, offering a wide range of cultural activities. Belém is ideal for strolling through the gardens next to the river, rounding off the trip with a delicious Belém custard tart - one of Lisbon’s most coveted pastry recipes.

For more information, tips, maps, and travel ideas go to www.visitportugal.com

In and around Lisbon: BELEM

May 2017 - Feature Destination

64 - SEVENSEAS