Belem District of Lisbon
Introduction
Belem district of Lisbon sits in the southwestern part of the city. Its name comes from the Portuguese word for Bethlehem. Situated on the northern banks of the River Tagus, this area is known for having Lisbon’s elites in the past. In the past, many of the ships of voyages of discovery departed from here.
On the river bank, a 20m cylindrical concrete tower has an open lantern at the top. Doca do Bom Sucesso is a facility used by civil and military situated close to Torre de Belem. The Doca do Bom Sucesso is notable for its importance in history and naval de Portugal from the 20th century.
Artur de Sacadura Cabral Monument
The Artur de Sacadura Cabral Monument is built next to the Tower of Belem. He was a Portuguese aviation pioneer who in 1922 conducted the first flight across the South Atlantic Ocean. On 15 November 1924, Sacadura Cabral disappeared while flying over the English Channel his body was never found. Some part of his aeroplane were found later in the area.
The 25 de Abril Bridge connects two sides of the River Tagus, the city of Lisbon and to the municipality of Almada. Close to this bridge, the National Sanctuary of Christ the King sits on the southern bank of the River Tagus.
Jardim da Torre de Belem sits between the Belem Tower and the Museum of the Combatant (Museu do Combatente). Museum of the Combatant (Museu do Combatente) displays some of the Portuguese military artifacts. The Monumento Combatentes Ultramar is dedicated to soldiers of the Portuguese army who died during the Overseas War of 1961 to 1974. The central flame burns continuously to signify the lasting memory of the dead soldiers. The names of each solider who died are etched into the three walls that surround the memorial.
Praca do Imperio
The Empire Square is a city square in Belem, locally it is known as Praca do Imperio. It was built in the mid 20th century, to be used for some of the events occasioned by the 1940 World Exhibition. Designed by Conttineli Telmo, this huge garden located in its center is the work of Gomes Amorim. In the center of the square is a 3.300 m² garden with large fountain in the middle. It is filled with decorative gardens, water features and a great place to relax.
The Albuquerque monument sits in the Afonso de Albuquerque Square. This square is located in front of Belem Palace, this square used to be a harbour. In 1807, Queen Mary I and Prince John VI fled Lisbon from this harbour to Rio de Janeiro.
