Easter Vacation- Lisbon Portugal 2012 (Belem District)

1.  Photos Above --- Jeronimos Monastery


What do a famous explorer tomb, beautiful architecture and a place for worship have in common? They can be all found in Jeronimos Monastery. A World Heritage monument. Founded in 1502, to honor Vasco da Gama's voyage. The monastery is located in Praça do Império, Belem. For Portugese it is the most impressive symbol of Portugal's power and wealth during the Age of Discovery.

The monastery houses Vasco da Gama's tomb as well as other notable people and it is a monument to exploration. It's also religiously significant as the previous home to Monks  of the Order of Saint Jerome (Hieronymites), whose spiritual job was to give guidance to sailors and pray for the king's soul. It is one of the great triumphs of European Gothic (UNESCO has classified it a World Heritage monument), with much of the design characterized by elaborate sculptural details and maritime motifs. This style of architecture is called Manueline.

2. Photos below ---Monument of the Discoveries


 Where can you find all of Portugal's greatest explorers in one place? In the bank of the Tagus, at the Monument of the Discoveries.  The monumental statue rises 50 meters  in a shape of an early explorer ship. Climbing upwards are dozens of explores bearing emblems of discovery. At the head is Henry the navigator. The monument serves as humanities progress through the years. 


Belem is one of the districts in Lisbon Portugal. This district is known for tourists because most of the famous attractions can be found here. So, if you happen to be in Portugal dont miss to visit this place. Enjoy the pics!!!!