Lisbon: The Unexpected Charm of the Iberian Peninsula ✨
📍2-Day Lisbon Itinerary: Belém Tower ➡ Monument to the Discoveries ➡ 25th of April Bridge ➡ Christ the King Statue ➡ Jerónimos Monastery ➡ Santa Maria Church ➡ Pastéis de Belém (original custard tarts) ➡ Avenida da Liberdade ➡ Bica Funicular ➡ Santa Justa Lift 💗 Belém District: In Portuguese, "Belém" means Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. This is where we begin our journey to discover Lisbon! 🍷 ① Belém Tower 🌊 A 500-year-old fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of Portugal’s most iconic medieval structures. 🏰 The five-story tower served different purposes: Ground floor: Artillery bunker with heavy cannons Second floor: King’s residence Third floor: Chapel of Our Lady Fourth floor: Guards’ quarters Fifth floor: Watchtower with panoramic views ✨ Built from white limestone, adorned with intricate carvings of sea gods, angels, and Portugal’s coat of arms. 🎟️ Ticket: €6 (discounts for students & seniors) ② Monument to the Discoveries ⛵ Built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Prince Henry the Navigator’s death, this monument resembles a ship’s prow, with statues of Henry and 32 legendary explorers. ⚓ The square in front features a massive marble compass rose with a world map marking Portugal’s colonial routes—including Macau (1514)! 🇲🇴 ③ 25th of April Bridge 🌉 Once Europe’s longest suspension bridge (3rd longest worldwide), opened in 1966. ④ Christ the King Statue 🗿 Standing 110m tall, this statue overlooks Lisbon from the south bank of the Tagus River. ⑤ Jerónimos Monastery (A UNESCO Wonder) 🏛️ A masterpiece of Manueline architecture, built in 1496 during Portugal’s Golden Age. 🎟️ Ticket: €12 ⑥ Santa Maria Church ⛪ Adjacent to the monastery, this church boasts stunning Gothic vaulted ceilings supported by six Renaissance-style pillars. 💡 Pro tip: There are two lines—left for the paid monastery, right for the free church. ⑦ Pastéis de Belém (The OG Custard Tart Shop) 🥧 Established in 1837, this bakery sells the original pastel de nata, invented by monks at the monastery. 🍽️ Two entrances: Left: Dine-in (more menu options) Right: Takeaway 💰 €1.5 per tart (comes with cinnamon & sugar packets). Pair it with coffee for the perfect shot! 📸 #Portugal #Lisbon #LisbonTravel #BelémTower #JerónimosMonastery
