Massachusetts-based educator Naomi Tetherly most recently served as the special education director and academic enhancement coordinator at Robert M. Hughes Academy, a public charter school in Springfield. Aside from her professional endeavors, Naomi Tetherly enjoys traveling around the world to destinations including India, Japan, and Portugal.
Portugal, located in southwestern Europe on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the oldest nations in Europe. With a rich tradition that includes the Age of Exploration, the country is becoming a popular destination for tourists. Belem, a neighborhood and cultural center within the capital of Lisbon, was once the departure point for explorers setting out for the New World.
Visitors to Lisbon can easily spend a day exploring the sites of Belem, and several museums highlight the district. In addition to the Museu dos Coches, which features a large collection of European horse drawn carriages, a stop can be made at the Museu de Marinha, a naval museum dedicated to the country’s maritime history. The MAAT, a museum dedicated to art, technology, and architecture, is also located in Belem.
Several monuments can be found in Belem. Most notably, travelers can visit the Belem Tower, which once served as a first line of defense for the city against attacks from the sea. The magnificent Padrao dos Descobrimentos (Discoveries Monument) honors Portugal’s role during the Age of Exploration. Featuring explorers on one side and the financiers of their expeditions on the other, the monument is a fitting display of the country’s notable contributions to exploration and discovery.
Visitors to Belem can also tour the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, one of Europe’s most extravagant monasteries.
Belem can easily be explored independently and on foot. Within a day or two, visitors can see the monuments, explore the museums, and experience views of the waterfront from the comfort of a cafe or restaurant.
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