During the 15th century, the Portuguese explorers navigated on long voyages that discovered sea routes to India, East Africa, and Brazil. It was in Belėm that the ships docked and set sail. It was from Belėm that in 1497, Vasco da Gama embarked on his historic expedition that discovered the sea route to India. Belém is the district to the West of Lisbon, on the banks of River Tagus. In terms of places to visit and sight to see, this area holds the record.

Celebrating the achievements of explorers during the era of discoveries, there is the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Discoveries Monument), representing a ship’s prow featuring more than 30 statues of Portuguese historical figures.  Along the riverbank is the Torre de Belėm (Tower of Belėm) designed as a fortress and key to defending the estuary’s mouth. Another magnificent place to visit is the Hieronymite Monastery with its charming cloisters, masterfully carved stonework and impressive statues. Visitors here can’t go without tasting the pasteis de nata, a 187-year-old recipe.

To get to Belėm from Lisbon use the train from Cais do Sodré, or tram 15. There are also buses throughout the day. It is also a walking distance from Linda-A-Velha.

Fitness near Belėm

Many tourists to Belėm come from districts surrounding Lisbon. Gyms near Belém are many. They vary in training and equipment, with some targeting classes and other equipment and machines for weights and cardio. Also, most of them have monthly and some 3+ months of membership. If you search Belėm on the TrainAway App it will find gyms where you can buy gym day passes. One gym is the Fitness Hut Linda-A-Velha, located 10-minute ride from Belėm and a 20-minute ride to Lisbon on the other side.

Planning to visit other places in Portugal? Find gyms in Portugal