A Day Starting in Lisbon: Belém and the Christ Beyond
📌 Daily Summary
🍮 Pastéis de Belém: The Original Egg Tart
🏰 Jerónimos Monastery: The Weight of Time
🌊 Monument to the Discoveries and Belém Tower: Echoes of the Age of Exploration
🍷 A Glass of Port Wine by the River: Unforgettable Leisure
✝️ Cristo Rei: Silent Comfort
🗓 8:30 AM – Starting the Day in Lisbon
I woke up early today. The view outside was still damp, and the sound of the tram slowly approached from afar. I awakened my body with a cup of coffee and walked along the cobblestone streets of Alfama towards Cais do Sodré station. Although I could take either the train or tram to Belém, I chose the train. The slow-moving scenery outside the window oddly brought a sense of calm.
🗓 9:30 AM – Pastéis de Belém: A Sweet Beginning
Upon arrival, I headed straight to the legendary Pastéis de Belém. The line was already quite long, with regulars, group tourists, and locals on their way to work. I ordered two freshly baked Pastéis de Nata and a strong espresso. The crust was crispy, and the custard inside was hot and creamy. Vanilla and cinnamon spread in my mouth, making time seem to pause for a moment. Sitting by the window, I gazed at the tiled walls and let my mind rest for a while.
🗓 10:30 AM – Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)
Across the road stood the majestic Jerónimos Monastery. The white limestone building sparkled in the morning sunlight, and its Manueline style, blending Gothic and Renaissance elements, left me speechless. I stood at the grand entrance for a while before stepping inside. The vaulted ceilings were high, and the interior was serene. Only the sound of footsteps echoed within the cathedral. Standing before Vasco da Gama's tomb, I felt the Portuguese yearning for the sea must have started here. Outside, the breeze was cool.
🗓 12:00 PM – Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)
Leaving the monastery, I strolled leisurely towards the river. The Monument to the Discoveries stood by the riverside, resembling a ship heading towards the Tagus River. Underneath the massive sculptures of Vasco da Gama, Magellan, and Prince Henry the Navigator, I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling the wind. Where were they headed, and where am I now?
🗓 1:00 PM – Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)
Walking further along the river brought me to Belém Tower, which seemed to float on the water. Built for defense, the tower now exudes a comforting presence. The sound of waves, children's laughter, and tourists' camera shutters blended into a strangely peaceful atmosphere. I sat on the nearby lawn to rest for a while. The sunlight was warm on my back, and the shimmering reflections on the river sparkled before me.
🗓 2:00 PM – A Glass of Port Wine by the Seaside
I ordered a glass of port wine at a nearby bar. The warm sea breeze brushed my face, and the wine was rich and sweet. A cruise ship passed by, and someone played the guitar. In that moment, I had no thoughts—just wishing time would stop. The wine opened my heart a little more.
🗓 4:00 PM – Taking the Bus to Cristo Rei
Using Google Maps, I found a bus route to the Cristo Rei statue. The journey via public transport was a bit complicated, but that added to the charm of traveling. Crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge, I looked out the window to see the river and city seamlessly connected. As the statue grew closer, an inexplicable heaviness filled my chest. Standing before the massive figure silently overlooking the city with outstretched arms, I felt incredibly small. Reading about Portugal's modern history, dictatorship, and liberation in the exhibition hall made the symbolism of this place even more profound.
🗓 6:30 PM – Sunset and Returning to Lisbon
The sun began to set. Sitting quietly at the Cristo Rei viewpoint, I gazed at Lisbon. The 25 de Abril Bridge bathed in red hues, the Alfama district slowly darkening, and Belém where I had been earlier—all came into view. On the bus ride back, I listened to music without saying a word. The emotions of a day filled to the brim swirled within me, leaving my heart heavy yet peaceful.