Foto: The courtyard of the monastery (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Portugal - I continue walking toward Belém. Around noon, I arrive at the Monument of the Discoveries in Belém. A large concrete monument features the Portuguese explorers. At the front stands Henry the Navigator, followed closely by Vasco da Gama. Before visiting the Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), I stop at the Pastéis de Belém bakery. This bakery is famous for its Portuguese custard tarts. I buy a pastry made of puff pastry filled with warm vanilla custard. The pastéis are made according to a secret recipe from the monastery. They taste excellent. The Jerónimos Monastery dates back to the 14th century. It’s one of Lisbon’s most prominent buildings. The monastery was probably built in gratitude for Vasco da Gama’s successful journey to India. The discovery of the sea route made King Manuel I the richest monarch in Europe. I enter the monastery. The courtyard is surrounded by a beautiful cloister. Especially the views through the arches toward the courtyard are wonderfully intricate. The halls of the old monastery are also worth a visit. I end my visit in the monastery’s chapel, a beautifully decorated little church. Back outside, I walk to the banks of the Tagus River and visit the Tower of Belém. This fortress tower used to defend the river mouth and the city of Lisbon. I try to reach the highest platform via a very narrow spiral staircase. Since both ascending and descending visitors use the same staircase, it quickly gets jammed. The descending people have to pass at the narrowest parts. This could be better organized by letting visitors go up and down in groups. Due to the congestion, it takes a long time to reach the top. But the wait is worth it. I enjoy a beautiful view over the Belém district and the Tagus River. On my way down, it’s relatively quiet, and I can descend the stairs easily. Back in the Belém district, I look for a tram to return to the city center. When I get on and want to buy a ticket, I find out that no tickets are sold on this modern tram. There’s only a payment machine where you can buy a ticket with coins. I don’t have any coins with me and decide to travel without a ticket. Unchecked, I reach the city center, where I go to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
Lisbon
Portugal - Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and lies along the Tagus River. The city offers a rich mix of history, atmosphere, and culture. Built on seven hills, Lisbon features some steep inclines. To navigate these, the city has not only standard trams but also ...
On tram 28 through Lisbon
Portugal - At the highest point of the district, I wait for tram 28. I don’t have to wait long. The characteristically small yellow tram comes and goes frequently. I buy a ticket from the driver. It’s crowded on the tram. I find a standing spot just behind the ...
The Palacio Nacional da Pena in Sintra
Portugal - As I arrive at Sintra station, I immediately notice I’m not the only one wanting to visit the town and its palaces today. There’s a long line at the bus stop. Everyone buys a ticket one by one. Once the bus is full, it departs. Luckily, the next bus ...