Interested in reliving the golden period of the Portuguese Empire? Then join us on this tour of the neighborhood of Belém and the Jerónimos Monastery. You'll see this historic neighborhood and its landmarks, and explore this iconic Manueline-style monastery.
Tour Options
During the booking process, you'll be able to choose
Standard Tour (2 to 2.5 Hours)
At the designated time, we'll meet at the Praça do Império Garden, right in the heart of Belém. Here, your guide will set the scene for the Age of Discovery and explain why Belém was the launching point for Portugal's great sea voyages.
Then it's time for the main event: the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll explore its most iconic spaces as we learn about Manueline architecture, its symbolism, and the historic figures connected to the monastery.
No visit to Belém is complete without a pastel de Belém, and you'll get to try one of these famous custard tarts along the way.
We'll also learn about other nearby landmarks from the outside, such as the Monument to the Discoveries and the Map of the Discoveries.
After 2 to 2.5 hours, we'll wrap up the tour outside the Jerónimos Monastery.
Extended Tour (3 to 4 Hours)
At the designated time, we'll meet near the Jerónimos Monastery. After a brief introduction, we'll step inside this Manueline-style monastery. Ready to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn all about Belém's crucial role in Portuguese history?
Inside, we'll explore the monastery's most important spaces and learn about its significance, what it symbolized for Portuguese society, and its role during the maritime exploration of the 15th and 16th centuries.
We'll also visit the Church of Santa Maria de Belém, a prime example of Manueline architecture, a uniquely Portuguese style that blends late Gothic and Renaissance elements. It's also the resting place of prominent figures like King Manuel I, his son João III, the explorer Vasco da Gama, and the poet Luís de Camões.
After the monastery, we'll stroll through Belém's other landmarks. But first, we'll stop at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery to try this delicious custard tart, made from a secret recipe created by the monastery's monks and baked right here since the 19th century.
We'll then visit the Monument to the Discoveries, built in 1960 to mark 500 years since the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, one of the leading figures of the Age of Discovery. The monument also features other historic figures who helped expand Portuguese influence across the globe.
From there, a short walk will bring us to the iconic Belém Tower, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This striking Manueline structure once served as a defensive tower guarding Lisbon's harbor.
We'll say our goodbyes at Belém Tower after 3 to 4 hours.
Itinerary Order
Please note that, for organisational reasons, the order of visits described above may vary.
