belém

Belém is a toponym of Portuguese origin meaning Bethlehem and is used for several places in the Portuguese-speaking world. In Brazil, Belém refers to the city of Belém, the capital of the state of Pará, located at the mouth of the Guamá River on the Atlantic coast. Founded in 1616 as Feliz Lusitânia, it developed into a major port and economic hub of northern Brazil, with a waterfront area notable for colonial architecture, the Ver-o-Peso market, and riverfront parks. The city serves as a gateway to the Amazon region and is a center for trade, logistics, and regional industry.

In Portugal, Belém is a parish and historic district in the municipality and city of Lisbon, situated along the Tagus River to the west of central Lisbon. It is renowned for monuments associated with the Age of Discoveries, including the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), the Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), and the Monument to the Discoveries. The area also houses the famous Pastéis de Belém pastry shop and a range of museums and cultural venues, such as the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) and the Berardo Collection Museum, which reflect both its maritime heritage and modern culture. Belém remains a major tourist district, drawing visitors with its historic monuments, riverfront views, and culinary traditions.