is an unusual structure built in the early part of the 16th century. It was partly destroyed during the earthquake in 1755, but was reconstructed in the 1880s. It is a renaissance style building and its front has the shape of a diamond. Today it serves as the home of the José Saramago Foundation.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries)
is a memorial to the era of the Portuguese explorers in the 15th and 16th century. It was built at the starting-point of many sea-expeditions.
Cristo Rei
is a huge statue of Christ inspired by its famous counterpart in Rio de Janeiro. It was raised as a sign of gratitude for Portugal being spared the horrors of the Second World War. It is constructed on a 133 high rock across the river. The concrete platform on which it stands is 86 m and the statue itself 28 m tall. From the terrace below you have a fantastic view over the city.
Ponte de Vasco da Gama
is the longest bridge in Europe. 17 kms long, 30 meters wide, and 85 meters tall. The construction is strong enough to withstand wind gusts of up to 250 km/hour and earthquakes four and a half times stronger than the one in 1755 which destroyed the city.
Gare do Oriente (Oriente Station)
is the modern train station and intermodal transport hub which was designed by the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava for the 1998 World Exhibition. Its gigantic steel and glass arch is inspired by Gothic architecture.
Torre de Belém (Belém Tower)
is one of the gems of Belem and on the UNESCO list of protected buildings. It was constructed by King Joao II as a part of the defense system and as a ceremonial gate to the town of Belem. It was originally built off the shore of the river but after the earthquake in 1755, the winding of the river changed and the building now sits on its banks.
