As I approached the Tower of Belém, the skies opened up and the rain that had been threatening all morning finally started falling. Thankfully there was a lot to see inside both components of this World Heritage Site--the Tower of Belém and the Monastery of the Hieronymites--so I was able to stay dry while learning about Portugal's rich history of exploration. The tower was immediately recognizable to me, since I'd seen it previously on television. It was built as a defensive fortification and a show of power for Lisbon, and I enjoyed the (albeit rain-soaked) views from the roof of the tower. I was not as familiar with the monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome (aka Jerónimos Monastery or Hieronymites Monastery), and I was fascinated to learn that the monks were to pray for navigators and sailors who departed Portuguese shores on voyages of exploration. Within the monastery's church is the tomb of the renowned Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama. More tributes to Portuguese exploration can also be seen in the buffer zone of the World Heritage Site, which includes the Monument to the Discoveries on the banks of the Tagus River. This monument includes carvings of famed Portuguese explorers, as well as a map commemorating their voyages.

Logistics: Belém can be reached by tram or private transportation from downtown Lisbon (an amazing city well worth a visit!).