Exploring Lisbon: Jéronimos Monastery and a Picnic in the Tropical Botanical Garden (part 2)
Experiences from our Family Holiday in Portugal (Lisbon part 4)
Welcome to the tale of our beautiful road trip to Portugal.
Check our family trip from the beginning by subscribing to this substack and getting access to the archive. This travelogue was originally published on Medium by me in the Illumination Publication on Sep 11, 2023.
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We continue our walk in the parish of Santa Maria de Belém, with a superb exploration of the building of the Monastery.
The Rich History of Lisbon’s Jerónimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery, a magnificent architectural gem nestled in Lisbon, Portugal, boasts a rich historical background. Constructed in the late 15th century, this masterpiece exemplifies the Manueline style, renowned for its intricate stone carvings and elaborate vaulted ceilings.
However, the significance of the Jerónimos Monastery extends far beyond its architectural grandeur. It stands as an enduring testament to Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, intimately tied to the nation’s maritime achievements. Commissioned to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s triumphant return from his legendary voyage to India, the monastery is a symbol of the nation’s seafaring legacy.
In acknowledgment of its historical and cultural importance, the Jerónimos Monastery earned the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it remains a captivating destination for travelers and history enthusiasts alike, inviting exploration of its intricate design and profound historical context.
We didn’t go inside; we only looked around the Monastery. Again, there was a sizable line outside, and with three children in tow, there was no way we were going to wait in line.
Pasteis de Belem
Continuing our journey, we stumbled upon the incredible pastry shop called Pasteis de Belem. Here, we decided to take 12 pasteis with us. Interestingly, the section for purchasing pastries to-go had a separate entrance from the seating area of the shop, which was designed like this.
The Birth of Pastéis de Belém: A Sweet Tale from 19th Century Lisbon
In the early 19th century, adjacent to Lisbon’s Heironymite Monastery in Belém, a sugar cane refinery was paired with a small general store. The liberal revolution that swept through Portugal in 1820 brought about the collapse of all monasteries and convents, including the Heironymite Monastery, in 1834. The clergy and laborers were expelled.
When faced with difficulty, a resourceful monk started selling sweet pastries in the shop, which quickly became known as “Pastéis de Belém.”
Fun fact: Belém was regarded at the time as a far-off suburb of Lisbon that could only be reached by steamboats.
However, the majestic monastery and the Belém Tower attracted tourists, who soon grew fond of the mouthwatering pastries made in the monastery.
Following an old “secret recipe” from the monastery, the “Pastéis de Belém” manufacture started in the buildings connected to the refinery in 1837.
This recipe hasn’t changed since it was first handed down to professional confectioners, who painstakingly made the pastries in a hidden “secret room.” It sounds really intriguing and special, doesn't it?
In essence, the authentic ‘Pasteis de Belém’ continues to honor tradition by meticulously selecting ingredients, offering the timeless taste of Portuguese sweet making that has delighted palates for generations.
When we returned to Hungary, we actually purchased the identical pasteis. The flavor was quite different, of course!
Botanical Tropical Garden —Jardim Botânico Tropical
It’s so hard for me to pick just a few photographs from this amazing garden.
After a day of roaming around in the heat, it served as our shelter. Even at the garden’s entrance, water was provided for us — they filled our bottles with filtered water.
If you visit Lisbon, I highly recommend stopping by this lovely establishment.
The price is symbolic, even for a family with three kids. It was actually excellent because kids could enter for free!
Actually, we ate the pasteis in the tropical garden adjacent, where there was shade and water to cool off in the sweltering heat. We had a memorable picnic in a fantastic setting!
A bit about the garden
The Tropical Botanical Garden is a renowned organization with an extensive heritage that dates back to its founding in 1906 and is located in Lisbon, Portugal. This botanical haven, which spans a sizable 25-acre area, is home to an amazing variety of tropical and subtropical plant species.
We strolled throughout the entire area, admiring the free-roaming peacocks amidst the enchanting palm trees, creating a captivating scene.
Have you ever witnessed something like this?
I hope you enjoyed learning more about the Belém neighborhood.
This thriving area is home to numerous fascinating museums and a wealth of other outstanding attractions that are just waiting to be discovered.
The Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Cultural Center, and the Maritime Museum are a few famous nearby museums that each provide distinct perspectives into Portugal’s rich history and culture.
I also hope you will stop by some of the sites mentioned above. We do intend to return, this time for an adult-only city trip (not sure when that will be, though :)).
Have you visited the Belém Tower or other historical sights in Lisbon?
Let me know in the comments if you are planning a trip to Lisbon or the surrounding area, and I can help you with ideas or answers to your questions.
Make sure you check out my series about our Portugal Family Trip.
Stay human, be loved,
Gabby
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If you feel generous, Buy me a coffee, and let’s chat. I will be at my kitchen table preparing good food, some cookies, and my journal, ready for scribbles and doodles.