One of the things we enjoy about our travels is the ability to take day trips to areas surrounding our base apartment. Belem, whose name derives from the Portuguese for Bethleham, is a suburb almost four miles (on the number 15 trolley) west of Lisbon's city center. Archeological excavations have revealed that humans lived in this area at least as far back as 10,000 years ago. Located at the mouth of the Tagus River, Belem quickly developed into an important, strategic seafaring community. Recognizing this, the Moors began to settle here during the 14th century. Prince Henry the Navigator, and explorer Vasco da Gama, considered the founders of Portugal's "Age of Discovery," began their explorations and maritime trading out of Belem, during the mid- to late 15th century. Perhaps the most popular attraction in this suburb is the Jeronimos Monastery, founded in 1459 by Manuel I. Belem became increasingly important under King John V, the Portuguese Sun King, after he had purchased land and properties here during the early part of the 18th century. It gradually became a significant industrial zone with tanneries, glass makers, metal-stampers, textile factories, etc. While the 1775 earthquake severely damaged much of Lisbon proper, Belem was affected very little. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting this little town.
One if the finest collections of historical carriages in the world is at the National Coach Museum in Belem's city center.
Statue of Vasco da Gama is located in a park next to one of the National Coach Museum's buildings.
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