Saturday 26th April 2025
Today, we returned to Lisbon to take in a little more of the sights and sounds. On the way across the river, we saw two cruise liners, one of which, the “Norwegian Viva”, we were able to see reasonably clearly and later also saw it leaving:
This time, after disembarking the ferry, we took a (very overcrowded 15E) tram to Belém. We had to stand the whole of the 27 minute journey. The Lisbon district of Belém is a tourist hotspot, with Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Monument to the Overseas Combatants and the Belém Tower.
Monument to the Discoveries:
The Monument to the Discoveries is a huge limestone monument, which celebrates the world discoveries through history and those responsible for them. It was originally built in 1940, but later, in 1943 it was demolished. In 1960 it was rebuilt, larger, to mark the 500 year anniversary of Henry the Navigator’s death.
Each side is different and depicts real characters in the story of world navigation from a Portuguese perspective. When viewed from the river, it looks like the figures are all riding on the prow of a ship.
The person that can be seen from both sides, holding a small sailing ship, is Henry the Navigator, who was a Duke who lead Portuguese colonial expansion in the 15th century.
We chose to go up to the top of the monument, which afforded fine views:
Further along the waterfront, there is a biplane, which commemorates 100 years since the first transatlantic crossing by air, in 1922, by two Portuguese navigators.
The Belém Tower:
Built in the 16th century as a fortification, the tower is a UNESCO world heritage site. Sadly, it was closed for renovation/repairs when we visited.
According to Wikipedia, it was built during the height of the Portuguese Renaissance, and is a prominent example of the Portuguese Manueline style.
Monument to the Overseas Combatants:
This is a spectacular national monument to the fallen soldiers of Portugal who have died overseas. The wall behind, bears thousands of names.
There is a chapel, accessed through a door in the wall, which houses the tomb of the unknown soldier:
It is guarded by armed guards and we witnessed the changing of the guard:
Jerónimos Monastery:
Jerónimos Monastery is an incredibly ornate structure which understandably attracts hundreds of visitors, many of whom appeared to be still waiting to get in.
After an enjoyable day in the Belém district, we made our way back to the park-up, via the tram and ferry. Another very crowded journey. When we arrived off the ferry in Cacilhas, we took a brief look at the submarine and sailing ship which are in dry-dock there and are open for visitors.
That is it for today. See u later. TTFN.
"See-u-Later" 