Lisbon Belém By the Paths of the Navigators

The Pastels de Belém, produced at the iconic Fábrica dos Pastéis de Belém, are one of Lisbon’s most famous delicacies. With a secret and traditional recipe, the confectionery, founded in 1837, prepares these crisp leaf pasta sweets, filled with a gentle and delicate cream, slightly aromatized with vanilla and cinnamon. The tradition and quality preserved over the years have made the Belém Pastels a true culinary reference. Located in the neighborhood of Belém, the bakery attracts tourists and locals who enjoy the unique flavor, accompanied by a coffee or tea, in a cosy and historic atmosphere.

The Jerónimos Monastery, located in Belém, Lisbon, is a jewel of Manueline architecture and one of Portugal's most iconic monuments. Built in the 16th century, it was commissioned by Dom Manuel I to celebrate the Portuguese maritime discoveries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery impresses with its details carved in stone, representing nautical and religious themes. The interior houses the tomb of Vasco da Gama and other great names of Portuguese history and culture. In addition, the cloister is a space of unique beauty, combining architectural harmony and serenity. A symbol of the height of the Age of Discoveries.

The Tower of Belém, located on the banks of the Tejo River in Lisbon, is an iconic symbol of the UNESCO Age of Discoveries and World Heritage. Built in the early 16th century in Manueline style, the tower originally served as a fortress to defend the entrance to the port of Lisbon. With its detailed architecture, it stands out for nautical elements such as carved strings and the iconic Cross of the Order of Christ. The interior has several rooms and terraces that offer stunning views of the river. Today, the Tower of Bethlehem is a historical and cultural landmark celebrating Portugal’s maritime history.

The Age of Portuguese Discoveries, between the 15th and 16th centuries, was marked by the expansion of Portugal's sea, with the aim of finding new trade routes and exploring wealth. Under the leadership of Infante Dom Henrique, the Portuguese began exploring the African coast. The greatest achievement was achieved by Vasco da Gama in 1498, when he arrived in India, opening a direct route for the spice trade. In 1500, Pedro Álvares Cabral arrived in Brazil, beginning the Portuguese colonization. These discoveries made Portugal a global powerhouse, although they also involved the exploitation of indigenous populations. The legacy of the Discoveries remains alive in Portuguese culture and heritage.

The Plaza do Comércio, located in Lisbon, was one of the main commercial and administrative centers during the Age of Discoveries. Originally called Terreiro do Paço, due to the Royal Palace that was located there, the square was the point of arrival of goods from all parts of the world, especially from the Portuguese colonies. With the development of maritime trade, the area became the pulsing heart of Renaissance Lisbon, with busy warehouses, markets and cafes, where merchants and travelers exchanged products such as spices, gold and slaves.

After the 1755 earthquake that destroyed much of Lisbon, the square was rebuilt with a new design, more open and grandiose, with arcades and the famous Arch of Rua Augusta, creating a monumental setting. The Plaza do Comércio, overlooking the Tejo River, remains a symbol of the greatness of the Portuguese Empire, celebrating both global trade and the power and prosperity of the time.