最後更新/Last Updated:2023-05-23
Lisbon's Belém is breathtakingly beautiful, with its seamless blend of azure skies and seas, and the omnipresent scent of egg tarts. It ignited within me the desire to settle here upon my very first visit. However, Belém has more to offer than just its charm. Delving into its splendid maritime past, the once-dominant seafaring legacy, is indeed the purpose for many a traveler's journey here.
◦ Maritime Supremacy
The nation that initiated the grand chapter of the Age of Discovery was none other than Portugal. In the 15th century, Prince Henry of Portugal, known as "the Navigator," did more than just establish the world's first maritime school. He systematically fostered the development of navigation techniques and recruited sailors who shared his aspirations for seafaring exploration. The foundation he laid propelled Portugal to its status as Europe's premier maritime power.
◦ Relics of Belém
Following this, navigators who would herald a new era emerged one after another. Monuments in Belém, such as the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries), led by Prince Henry, and the Torre de Belém (Belém Tower), erected to commemorate Vasco da Gama's successful circumnavigation, are testaments to this rich history. In 1983, both the Belém Tower and the nearby Jerónimos Monastery were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In the past, Portuguese sailors said goodbye to their families here before embarking on their sea voyages. Now, the Belém Tower acts as a prominent beacon for boats, guiding them along their path.