The Birthplace of the pastel de nata - Jerónimos Monastery, Portugal| 旅淘 GreaterGo

The Birthplace of the pastel de nata - Jerónimos Monastery, Portugal

Pastel de nata is one of the pastry desserts Hong Kongers are familiar with. Since you are in Portugal, the origin of pastel de nata, there is no way you will miss trying the most authentic taste of it. In Belém district, not only can you visit the oldest patisserie, but also the Jerónimos Monastery, the most prominent monastery in the region. The world-famous pastel de nata is believed to have been first developed during the 18th century by the nuns based in this monastery.

The Jerónimos Monastery is said to be the quintessence of the Manueline style of architecture in Portugal. You may not distinguish the monastery from other institutional buildings with similar magnificent facades in Europe when having a glance from a distance. Yet, when you look at it close enough, you will be astonished by the elaborate carvings all over the architecture, including beautiful patterns and sculptures of different saints. The cloisters are elaborately decorated with Manueline ornamentation. The royal tombs of King Manuel I of Portugal and his wife Maria of Aragon are placed on the left side of the church choir, while the two on the right side belong to King João III and his wife Queen Catherine of Austria in the main chapel. Their stone coffins all rest on marble elephants. The monastery, along with the Belém Tower nearby, were listed as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. After looking at some of the most impressive architectures, don’t forget to visit the oldest patisserie in the neighbourhood - Pastéis de Belém nearby, and sample the most genuine taste of pastel de nata!