Discover Belem & Jeronimos Monastery: Private Half-Day Tour

Stand in awe of this historic landmark, as you unravel Lisbon's military and commercial past.

The Age of DiscoveryFound on the northern bank of the Tagus River estuary, the Discoveries Monument leans over where ships once left Lisbon, destined for exploration and trade with distant empires and colonies. It celebrates the Portuguese ‘Age of Discovery’, which took place during the 15th and 16th centuries and was epitomised by Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India and Álvarez Cabral’s discovery of Brazil. At its height the Portuguese empire spanned three continents, and Lisbon was flooded with its riches. Built in 1939 and standing 50 metres tall, it’s a striking but undoubtedly romanticised version of Portugal’s past — one that was typical of the Estado Novo regime of António de Oliviera Salazar. Over the decades since it has been refashioned with new materials and an observation deck, auditorium and exhibition hall. Ascend and enjoy views of the Belém neighbourhood, including the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both of which actually date from the Age of Discovery. AhoyThe monument takes the form of a ship’s prow, with the figure of Duke Henrique the Navigator standing intrepidly on the ship’s edge. Behind him, to either side, stand 16 companions. They represent the great Portuguese of the era: an eclectic bunch of monarchs, cartographers, artists, scientists, and missionaries. All are looking forwards, suggesting a unified vision for Portugal. Beneath them is a huge marble and limestone compass mosaic which holds a world map showing the routes that Portuguese vessels took during the Age of Discovery.

A Passage to India Where the Jerónimos Monastery now stands, near the coast of Belém, there was once a rather more humble hermitage, founded by Henrique the Navigator. The nearby harbour used to shelter ships before sending them on their great voyages during Portugal’s ‘Age of Discovery’, and the hermitage and its monks helped prepare them. Vasco da Gama and his men passed the night in prayer there before setting out on their famous journey to India in 1497. Nautical Style During the 16th century the church was rebuilt as a grand monastery to celebrate the success of that same voyage. The result is an exemplar of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style of architecture. It is a richly ornate style that often incorporates maritime themes, here carved into calcário de lioz, a golden limestone quarried from Ajuda. Scalloped arches, coils of rope and shell-like turrets nestle among the usual motifs of leaves and vines. The monastery was founded in celebration of - and funded by - Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Portuguese vessels reaped wealth from Africa, Asia and South America, and held tight control of the spice trade through their navy. However, the monks were moved out in 1833 when the building became state property; it was then used as a rather magical orphanage until 1940 and is now open to visitors. It is certainly one of the most beautiful buildings in Lisbon. The Great and the Good Inside the church Vasco de Gama himself is interred in the lower chancel, across from the 16th century poet Luís Vaz de Camões, author of the epic The Lusiads in which he lauds the exploits of Da Gama and his compatriots. And these two are not alone: other great figures in Portuguese history are entombed here, including King Manuel and King Sebastião, as well as the poets Fernando Pessoa and Alexandre Herculano.

Fit For KingsOnce the official residence of the Portuguese monarchs, since the installation of the First Republic after the 1910 revolution Belém Palace has been home to the Presidents of the Portuguese Republic. When it was first built in the sixteenth century it offered King Manuel I of Portugal some peace and quiet, set apart from the chaotic confines of the city centre, for his gentleman scholar pursuits. Today it is much the same: its soft pink façade sits high up on a gently sloping hill, facing onto the Tagus river. Strolling through its beautifully manicured gardens is a perfect respite from city life. You won’t miss the statue of Afonso de Albuquerque, standing atop a 20 metre pedestal. As a masterful 15th century Portuguese general and empire builder he was instrumental in Portugal’s ascendance as a global power. All in the TimingWithin the palace the Presidency Museum tells the story of the Portuguese Republic and its leaders using a fascinating collection of photos, portraits and gifts received from other world leaders. The palace itself opens only on select days, but its well worth timing your visit to coincide with them: its luxurious rooms have been furnished by Portugal’s finest artisans for centuries. Another thing worth coinciding your visit with is the ceremonial changing of the guards. Next to the Pátios dos Bichos ramp every 3rd Sunday of each month at 11 o’clock the Belém National Palace guard of honour conduct this stately ceremony. With horses, rifles, frilly outfits and a martial band, you can enjoy a bit of pomp and pageantry, even if the Royals no longer live here.

Built in 1521 to stand watch over the Tagus River, the pearly Belém Tower was the last glimpse of Portugal that many vessels saw as they set off on their voyages during the ‘Age of Discovery’. Indeed, for many of them it would be the last bit of Portugal they ever saw. As such, it encapsulates the daring spirit of the age and its adventures into the unknown. More Than Meets the EyeThe tower has a six-sided base, with Moorish style turrets at each corner when batteries of canons were placed. However, for a fortress, the tower has an unusually fine exterior. It was built in Manueline style with stonework that incorporates motifs of the Discoveries and the maritime tradition. It bears, for example, carvings of exotic creatures, including what may have been the first rhinoceros depicted in Europe. InterchangeThe tower is now a world heritage site, along with the nearby Jerónimos Monastery. UNESCO believe the tower epitomises a certain dialogue between cultures. For example, the cross of the Knights of Christ repeats all over the parapets of the fortress, while the flanking towers are inspired by Islamic architecture. As such, the tower exemplifies the Age of Discovery and the mingling - or appropriation - of cultures that it initiated. Inside OutThe tower is really best viewed from the banks of the Tagus River, since the Manueline stone detail covers the exterior, whereas the interior is a little sparse. That said, the upper floors of the tower contain the royal residences, which feature a beautiful Italianate loggia with sculpted columns and a number of balconies with exquisite stone work. On top of the upper floor is another terrace, with beautiful views over Belém and the Tagus River.

The statue of Cristo Rei with his arms outstretched dominates the skyline of the far bank of the river from Lisbon.