From Belem to Cascais
A great day of discovery awaits us for this 2nd day of visiting Lisbon.
Our trip should still allow us to take beautiful pictures. After downtown Lisbon yesterday, we leave our hotel with the intention of visiting the district of Bélem. Its Tower, its monument of discoveries, its monastery, its botanical garden, so many exceptional places to discover. A few minutes by metro from our hotel, we are back at Place du Commerce, the starting point for this day.
We take the E15 tram to Bélem (the stop is located a few dozen meters to the west from Place du Commerce). This district is the old maritime port of Lisbon from where Vasco da Gama left to conquer the Indies. Today it has become a high place of tourism in Lisbon. We get off at the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (Monastery of the Jeronimos) stop. This monasteries was classified by UNESCO in 1983. Built from 1501 in commemoration of the return of Vasco de Gama.
Despite the early hour, we do not regret having taken our "wireless" tickets on the internet. There are really a lot of people. If the church to the right of the monastery is free (you will find the tomb of Vasco de Gama there, it is not the same for the cloister. Count 10 euros per adult. Little tip... If you come on Sunday it is free. This cloister is huge and magnificent. Its architecture forms a square of 55 meters sides on 2 floors. Sacristy, monks' room, chapter house are to be visited. This visit will take us a good part of the morning... It is time to continue our journey to Bélem.
We leave the monastery and head towards the Discovery Monument located along the Tagus, for this we cross the Praça Do Império built in 1940 to commemorate the 800 years of independence from Portugal. The Discovery Monument is impressive in its size and architecture. It represents the bow of a ship turned towards the sea. On these sides sculpted characters seem to be climbing steps towards the horizon.
For 4 euros, you can take the elevator that will take you 50 meters higher, discover an extraordinary panoramic view of Lisbon and its surroundings. If you look carefully you will see a map of the world with a "compass rose". You can also contemplate the immensity of the Jeronimites Monastery.
Time passes, soon noon, we have to visit the tower of Belém before joining the seaside resort of Cascais. Fortunately it is only a few dozen meters away. An emblematic monument of this district of Belém, the Tower of Belém was erected to the glory of the maritime conquests. Completed in 1519, it served as a defense for the port of Lisbon. From far and near, this monument will amaze you.
For 6 euros you can visit the 5 floors up to the roof terrace. I strongly advise you there too to take your tickets on the internet in order to avoid an endless queue to enter the building. The Tower is 30 meters high, you will have an interesting view of the Tagus and its surroundings. You will discover different rooms on the way up to the roof terrace, starting with the defense cannon room. Then by a spiral staircase you will reach the other floors...Governor's room, kings' room, audience room, chapel. The spiral staircase will force you on busy days to alternate uphill and downhill with other visitors.
It is high time for us to take the train to reach Cascais It takes 30 minutes from Belém station to arrive in Cascais. This city is reminiscent of Collioure or St Tropez...its small beaches, its port, these houses huddled against each other. But also its peaceful and somewhat stuffy appearance. You can visit the surroundings on rental bikes, follow the edge of the coast and see the sumptuous villas that line this Atlantic coast. Or visit the center of the village on foot and admire the colorful houses. For us it will be the beach... lying on a deckchair, an umbrella to protect us from the sun and a cocktail for our thirst. You can swim, but beware the water is fresh!!...but if you feel like it, why not
And don't forget to taste a succulent little cake called Pastèis de Nata...
What a beautiful day!!...Travel and photos were still there.