The City of Discoveries

A tour to Belém

Igreja Detalhe do Palácio da Pena Vista aérea do Palácio da Pena e arredores

Travel back to the 16th century, the era when Portuguese caravels defied the oceans to draw the map of the modern world. On this tour through Belém, we explore the history of how Portugal became the first global power, visiting the sites that witnessed the departure of navigators into the unknown.

What you will do in this activity

  • World Heritage: Discover the grandeur of Belém's monuments, classified by UNESCO as landmarks of human history.
  • A Riverside Tour: Walk along the banks of the Tagus and feel the atmosphere of the port from where the caravels set sail to redraw the global horizon.
  • The Manueline Language: Explore the beauty and unique symbolism of this architecture and decode the naturalistic and nautical elements carved in stone.
  • Historical Insight: Understand the religious and political importance of Belém’s great monuments within the context of the Portuguese Empire.
  • Pantheon of the Golden Dynasty: Visit the royal tombs and the final resting places of great historical figures, such as Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões.
  • The Sea Epic: Discover the landmarks that honor the navigators and the nautical science that enabled the crossing of the great oceans.
  • Stories of Defense and Power: Learn about the strategic evolution of the Tagus shoreline and the role of fortifications in protecting the wealth coming from the East.
  • Secular Tradition: Discover the origin of one of Portugal’s most famous delicacies and its historical link to the monastic life of the region.
  • Guide’s Curiosities: Enjoy the sharing of historical details and lesser-known angles that enrich your visit.

Itinerary (Locations included)

  • Jerónimos Monastery
  • Church of Santa Maria de Belém
  • Belém Tower
  • Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Discoveries Monument)
  • Pastéis de Belém

Accessibility

The tour is accessible for most people. Adaptable for people with reduced mobility — including wheelchair users.