Belém

Belém is a pretty district that offers a slower, flatter change of pace from central Lisbon's bustling hills.  The biggest attraction is the Jeronimos Monastery,  but there are a few other gems hidden here, such as a beautiful walk along the Tagus River that's dotted with historical points of interest and cute food trucks.

The very popular Jeronimos Monastery is the only attraction that we had to wait in line to get into during our stay in Portugal.  

The intricately carved cloister area steals the show here.

The symbolic carvings of maritime elements and explorations are prime examples of the Manueline architectural style 

Visitors are allowed to go up onto the second level of the cloisters which allows us to share the view with many figures carved in niches. 

Adorable lion guarding the entrance to the monastery.

What else is in Belém?  The original place that created the Portuguese egg tart and its constant line-up.

The Discoveries Monument pays homage to various contributors of Portugal's Age of Discovery.

Belém Tower is a North African styled tower built to watch the waters for potential invaders.

We're in front of the Discoveries Monument, but can you see what's in the background to the right?  Does it look a bit like the San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge?

Don't let the orange color fool you.  We're not in San Francisco.  This is The 25th of April Bridge (the date of the 1974 Carnation Revolution) which links Lisbon to the Almada area across the river.