Belem is the capital of Para. Belem prosperity was linked to the rubber boom and its decline followed the decline of this commodity. My favourite place (I spent few days there) was Mercado ver-o-peso (Market watch the weight). Although some sections of it require good guts to stand the smell, ... Read review
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Advantages: The market is worth a visit Disadvantages: A bit messy
Belem is the capital of Para. Belem prosperity was linked to the rubber boom and its decline followed the decline of this commodity. My favourite place (I spent few days there) was Mercado ver-o-peso (Market watch the weight). Although some sections of it require good guts to stand the smell, a visit to this market tells you a lot about the daily life of most of the people in Belem. We also heard stories of pick-pocketing at the market, which may ... ...major problem. The most interesting section is the one displaying dead snakes, various herbs and remedies and all that kind of stuff. We bought a powder against diarrhea, which, luckily, we never had the pleasure of testing, some herbs supposed to give you highs and mild allucinations and a bizarre mixture of mint and non-identified stuff supposed to be a natural toothpaste (it melted after few days, and was quite unpractical to be used instead of ... more
Belem is the capital of Para. Belem prosperity was linked to the rubber boom and its decline followed the decline of this commodity. My favourite place (I spent few days there) was Mercado ver-o-peso (Market watch the weight). Although some sections of it require good guts to stand the smell, a visit to this market tells you a lot about the daily life of most of the people in Belem. We also heard stories of pick-pocketing at the market, which may happen indeed, however, in our case we did not have major problem. The most interesting section is the one displaying dead snakes, various herbs and remedies and all that kind of stuff. We bought a powder against diarrhea, which, luckily, we never had the pleasure of testing, some herbs supposed to give you highs and mild allucinations and a bizarre mixture of mint and non-identified stuff supposed to be a natural toothpaste (it melted after few days, and was quite unpractical to be used instead of a more traditional toothpaste).
Advantages: Unusual Disadvantages: It rains very often
Belem is one of the rainiest cities in the world and when it does not rain, it is generally very hot. All the tourists go to Mercado ver o peso. This does not mean you should not go there yourself, it is quite interesting. Be careful with your own holdings at the market and do not leave anything unattended if you come or leave by boat, not even for a short period, unless you can entrust this to someone you totally trust. You can also go to Bosque ...
NATALIA70 20.07.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Belem
Advantages: An area filled with beauty, history and is very laid back Disadvantages: None
Belem is an area that lies at the western end of Greater Lisbon and it is not to be confused with the city in Northern Brazil although they bare the same. In Portuguese the name Belem means Bethlehem and sometimes the area used to be known as Santa Maria de Belem. Along with the Alfama, Belem is another favourite area of Lisbon I like to spend time in. Apart from it's very laid back atmosphere the area is filled with monuments, museums, cafes and tailored parks where children, old people and visitors stroll side by side while dogs run riot and frisbees fly high into the dappled blue sky. It is here where you experience the feelings of a golden time when caravelas sailed from the mouth of the River Tagus to the New World and returned ladened with jewels, spices and silks.
There is an attractive cafe scene in Belem but I suggest before ...
Praski 16.07.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: exceptional Review of Belém, Lisbon
Advantages: The best custard tarts in the world Disadvantages: I don't live next door
of giving offence' gambit and, within the rules of diplomacy, you have to grin and swallow.
This weekend my husband and I went to Lisbon. Our friend and hostess who whizzed us around all over the place insisted that the highlight of the weekend would be a trip to the Antiga Casa de Pasteis de Belem - or, to translate roughly, the Old Tart House of Belem. As we drove back and forth she would point out of the window at an unprepossessing little shop with a blue and white awning and a very long queue outside and murmur in hushed tones about the delights still to come.
So Where is This Remarkable Shop?
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Belem is the river-side area at the heart of the tourist map of Lisbon. It has the Monastery of Jeronimos and several state museums just along the road. On the other side of the road is a lovely park with cheap ...
Advantages: A beautiful Tower in a beautiful place! Disadvantages: none
The "Torre de Belém" (or "Belém Tower" in English), was built in1514, by decision of the Portuguese King D. Joao II. The construction was finished 6 years later, in1520 and that new facility was immediately used for controlling and defending the entrance of Lisbon through the river. The initial plan was to build 3 towers similar to this, one at the opposite side of the Tagus river and another one on the same side but a little closer to the Atlantic Ocean (closer to Cascais), allowing a powerful cross fire that would eventually avoid any attempt of an assault to the city and its surroundings. As the other 2 towers never got to be built, small fortifications were made to replace them, although neither of them can be compared with the size or the beauty of the "Torre de Belém". The main reason for this change of plans was probably the time ...
