Today we have decided to dedicate half day for visiting Belem, a suburb of Lisboa famous for hosting the symbol of the city: the Tower of Belem.
To arrive in Belem we had to take a train from the Cais do Sodré station. Unfortunately we didn't know that not all the trains on that line stop in Belem. So we had some difficulties to get off at the right station...but in the end, we made it!
Once in Belem, the walk along the river Tejo, that here flows together in the Atlantic Ocean, took us at the first big attraction of this area: the monument at the discoverers. In fact Portugal is a land of famous discoverers, such as Vasco da Gama and Magellano. The monument in white stone is like a ship ready to sail.
By walking distance, finally, the magnificent Tower of Belem, in all its beauty. Even this monument remembers the form of a ship and it has been built at the very last point in which the river meets the Ocean. It's all well decorated and inside it's possible to visit all the different floors. It's relaxing to sit down in one of the stone lookout towers and watch the horizon, with the warm rays of sunshine on the face.
After this, we decided to visit the Monastero dos Jerònimos, with the beautiful church and cloister.
Belem is also famous for the Pasteis, the most typical sweet in Lisbon. We couldn't resist to taste an authentic Pasteis in this beautiful pastry store. Once entered, the place seems little with no places where to sit, but if you go further inside, the shop has huge rooms where to sit down and eat sweets. Usually the Pasteis are served hot, with cinnamon powder and confectioner's sugar. We also took a couple of coffees with milk. In this pastry store we had the best pasteis ever, even though they are pretty heavy and rich.
In the evening we went back to the Alfama, where Ely wanted to look for a shop that sells only tins of fish (such as tuna, sardine, mackerel) in old fashioned style.
After a fast visit at the Cathedral of Sè, we went to visit Campo Pequeno, the structure that hosts the local bullfight (corrida). Fortunately in Portugal the intent of this game isn't to kill the bull (forbidden by Law), but only placate and capture him. Under the main building, recently it has been built a new small shopping mall with an interesting food court, where we drunk a very good lemonade.
And, at the end of the day, we found this in a shopping mall: Dolce Vita everywhere!!!! :))
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