2 of 2 Yelp reviews…read more Cut and pasted from the internet: "The monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery (or "Age of Exploration") during the 15th and 16th centuries." Quality/Quantity - A must visit, but we have been here so often and only stopped by because we had an all day train pass; see other reviews. So much history, just "Google" it and read. Kid friendly, so many field trips. Ambiance - Beautiful monument. Beautiful surroundings. Other tourist sites to visit. An easy train ride and a short walk. Service - Self service. Price - Free. Owner Comment - Congrats on all your success since 1939.

This was the second time I visited this historic tower and the second time I didn't make it inside…read more And honestly, I'm just fine with that. This most recent time, it was closed for long-term renovations, and Jamie W and I were here just a couple of weeks before its reopening. I heard it wasn't that exciting anyway. I read the rooms were small and claustrophobic, and the staircase was narrow and steep dictated by a new traffic-light and siren system (oh dear!) The only motivation might've been the view from the top, but even with that, there's a nicer panoramic view of the Tagus River from the sloping rooftop of the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) just a stroll to the east. We were just happy we got a view of the tower itself because we were worried it would be completely covered by scaffolding. After all, it was built in 1520 surviving as a true symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery. RELATED - Exploring Lisbon? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/ayZwwRJHQd

On my first visit to Lisbon sixteen years ago, I failed to visit this legendary monastery because I…read morecame on a Monday, the one day they're closed. I could resolve my disappointment only by devouring a half-dozen pasteis de nata across the street. This time I made sure Jamie W and I had reservations for a scheduled time-slot on a day other than Monday. When we arrived, there was still a long line of people and no shade from the blazing sun, but we got in quickly. I have to say the building did not disappoint. Built in the 15th century during the Age of Discovery, it took a full century to complete because the Manueline architectural style was so idiosyncratic. As a tribute to Portugal's seafaring history, the inlays on the stonework were made intricately with decorative paneling on windows, arcades, and pillars. Traditional stone columns were sculpted into twisted ropes, corals, anchors, and sea monsters. The result is a stunning level of craftsmanship epitomized by the beauty and meticulous detail of the cloister. The two-story structure is a prime example of flawless symmetry and historical significance. The church houses the tombs of legendary explorer Vasco da Gama and famous Portuguese poets. Monks from the Order of Saint Jerome used the monastery to pray, meditate, and offer spiritual discourses. You can do the same. Admission per person is 18€. RELATED - Exploring Lisbon? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/3GGfbOtM3m

I won't review the experience inside the monastery but give timings on our arrival and the wait…read more We arrived around 9:45am and there was a relatively short line (maybe 30-50 people? The line got significantly longer in the next 30 minutes). At 9:55am they started letting 9:30am ticketholders in. We were let in around 10:15am (we had 10:30am entry tickets).

1 of 2 Yelp reviews…read more Cut and pasted from the internet: "The monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery (or "Age of Exploration") during the 15th and 16th centuries." Quality/Quantity - A must visit, but we have been here so often and only stopped by because we had an all day train pass; see other reviews. So much history, just "Google" it and read. Kid friendly, so many field trips. Ambiance - Beautiful monument. Beautiful surroundings. Other tourist sites to visit. An easy train ride and a short walk. Service - Self service. Price - Free. Owner Comment - Congrats on all your success since 1939.

What can you do with a group of 33 people who are stuck together? If you were on the Titanic, you…read morecould put them in the last lifeboat and hope the floating door will fit you and Rose. Or if you're architect José Ângelo Cottinelli Telmo and sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida, you bring them together in a monument dedicated to Portugal's pivotal role in the Age of Discovery. It looks a bit like a conga line on an incline. Regardless, that's what they did in 1960 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Henry the Navigator's death. It's an awesome work of art designed to resemble a ship's prow. At 170 feet, the monument features 33 prominent historical figures with Henry the Navigator leading the way as they at the Tagus River. On the eastern profile are the seafaring explorers including Magellan and Vasco de Gama. On the western profile are the key royalty, scientists, and missionaries who supported the explorers. It's free to walk around it like we did, and there's an option to pay 8,5€ to enter the museum and observation deck inside. You should also know you can get a free panoramic view from the curved rooftop of the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology just a short stroll up the riverfront. RELATED - Exploring Lisbon? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/SVKOeoChtd

The Monument to Overseas Combatants specifically addresses the losses suffered in the Portuguese…read moreColonial War, which is known here in Portugal as the Overseas War. During the conflict, the country's forces fought in three African theaters from 1961 to 1974, and more than 9,000 Portuguese soldiers lost their lives. But there is more to it than that. As the fighting went on and on, and the losses continued, it eventually turned public sentiment against the government of fascist leader Antonio de Oliveira Salazar, eventually resulting in the 1974 military coup of his successor, Marcelo Caetano. Built in 1994, it is a simple but very striking monument. Two black-and-white pillars rise out of the water of the center lake, forming an incomplete inverted triangle. An eternal flame sits under the point where the pillars would meet. The armed guards stand, protecting the site. As an American, I see a comparison to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. A respectful tour of the site is in order. Surrounding the site in chronological order are 180 bronze plates that are engraved with the names of soldiers who lost their lives in the Portuguese Colonial War. The site is open 24 hours and there is no charge to visit. It is quite solemn and visits here should be respectful. While the two guards were not standing perfectly still like the famous Queen's Guards in London, I would assume that you shouldn't interact with them. [Review 16611 overall - 128 in Portugal - 121 of 2022.]

Central flame burning as memory of lost soldiers in colonial wars. Next to Torre De Belem. Soldiers…read morenames engraved along the memorial. Free to enter.

The Torre de Belem was crowded and the line wasn't moving so I decided to try the Museu do…read moreCombatente. Nice museum with a low entrance fee. Nice WW1 walk through the trenches display. It also has a few military vehicles and several rooms with military weapons. Expect to spend around an hour.

So much to do and see! A coworker recommended I come to Belem and I'm so glad she did. It was one…read moreof my last stops in Portugal.

When visiting Belem, walking along the Tajo (Tagus) River is a very nice thing to do. Start at the…read moreTorre De Belem, walk around the small harbour and head to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. With a few obstacles and minor detours you can continue east to the Ponte 25 de Abril. It's a very nice walk, it's wide, it's calm, it's relaxing. Just be aware of bikes and scooters, but mostly there's enough room for everybody. There are green spots along the way, some restaurants and independent fast food stalls and trucks. Since you pass so many important landmarks, it's a great thing to do with many good photo ops. And doesn't cost you a dime (except for the tram/bus ride from Lisbon). We always enjoy having a walk here. And so should you.

The Maritime Museum showcases the history and contributions of Portuguese navigators…read more My husband and I toured this museum for 8 euros each. In about one hour, we saw dozens of model and life-sized ships, canons, statues, paintings, coins, informational plaques, the king's and queen's cabins, a gift shop, and more. I felt most interested in the life-sized ships. Overall, I think that this museum is worth a visit if you are already in the area.

We were fortunate to come here as a Gate 1 tour. With tours you can skip the lines, so I like that…read moreabout them, but of course you are on everyone else's schedule. I was torn between admiration of a culture playing to it's strengths (being surrounded by water has it's perks), and Derek L's view of colonialism. There was exactly 1 acknowledgement of how the country benefitted from slavery. It's a slippery slope of acknowledging how one acquired wealth but also realizing it occurred at a major violation of human rights. The room of boats was awesome, esp being able to view it from above on a balcony. The gift shop had some nice holiday themed items.