About 5 km west of Lisbon, Portugal, there is a town (now merged with Lisbon) called Belem. Belem is famous because it has a beautiful monastery and a an emblematic tower that has become an icon of the city.
Construction of the monastery began in 1501 and went on for 100 years. It was conducted by monks of the Order of Christ and the Hieronymite Order.
The monastery is a prime example of late-gothic Portuguese architecture, otherwise known as Manueline.
It features a chapel and inside gardens.
The monastery is the burial place of many Kings and Queens of Portugal. It is also the place where the body of Vasco Da Gama can be found (this is the famous navigator).
For a while, during the imperial era, only the Portuguese royalty and the monks were allowed into the monastery. Throughout Portuguese history, the monastery has always been regarded as a place of importance--both cultural and religious.
About 200 m away from the monastery is the Tower of Belem. This tower was built int he early 16th century as part of the defense of Lisbon.
The tower was also used as a jail, and has always welcomed visitors into Portugal. Since the monastery and the tower both are close to the ocean, they also serve as reminders of how the Portuguese have an eternal love for the ocean and for adventure. A Kingdom of Explorers and Discoverers.
Lisbon's weather is perfect and allows for a long day of walking, either in summer or winter.
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