Belem District

The Belem Tower, built in 1515 as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbor

there's no doubt that Portuguese are very proud of their discoveries

there's no doubt that they know when to stop and relax either

The Discoveries Monument representing a ship ready to depart with sculptures of important historical figures, famous Portuguese explorers, crusaders, monks, cartographers, and cosmographers...

...following Prince Henry the Navigator

a cross? a sword? both perhaps?

medieval reflections

another terrific monument in Belem is the Jeronimos Monastery

Though Cafe Pasteis de Belem is not a monument, it's very popular around the area because it serves the best Pastéis de Nata (traditional custard tarts) in Lisbon

when the sun goes down in Belem it looks as if a great artist has painted the sky with a thousand colours