Belem lisboa

Took the train out to Belem. it is 5 km from where we are staying in the Bario Alto, cost around 1.30 Euro to get there. Weather cloudy and cool today.

First stop was the Jardin Alfonso de Albuquerque, a square close to the monastery that was our main goal.

Praca Afonso de Alburquerque is named after the fist Potuguese viceroy of India. A neo Manueline column in the centre bears his statue with scenes from his life carved on the base. (DK Eyewitness source) He was shown with a turbine like head dress, and there were many elephants at the base of the statue. Elephants are used a lot to show the world dominance, and exoticness of Portugal in the relationship to the rest of the world at this time. 1500's.Read more