The terrain of Lisbon shows depicts collision of cultural history. The Moors dominated for Centuries and were eventually overthrown from Power by the Christians, starting from the 13th Century. Prince Henri was born in 1394. Known as Henri the Navigator, he dared to explore previously unchartered Oceans. He planned extremely meticulously, starting a school of seafaring in Agarve. It is rumoured that a valuable map which would aid expeditions, that the Moors had preciously guarded, had come into his possession. He chose Vasco da Gama to lead the First Exploration.

The Monuments in Belem pay tribute to him and the successful voyages that brought Lisbon, wealth and prestige. Theie Voyages to Calicut and Cochin are not forgotten.

Vasco da Gama's remains were removed from Fort Cochin in 1538, by his son and moved to Vidigueira. It was only in 1880 that his remains were placed at the Jeronimo Monastery in Belem.  We visited Vidigueira and saw the School and a small Monastery. There is a Museum nearby that displays antiques from the time gone by.  His castle was purchased by an aristocatic family and has been maintained beautifully. They were extremely gracious and treated us with unfailing hospitality.

I should not have been surprised that Antonio, my guide, knew about 'Cochim'. Vasco da Gama is, afterall, the most celebrated person in Lisbon!

At Belem, I saw the colossal monument erected in honour of Prince Henri the Navigator, the force behind Portugal's seafaring expeditions, standing alongside Vasco Da Gama and others, looming large and jutting into the sea.

Ver closeby is the Jeronimo Church and Monastery where Vasco da Gama's remains are kept. This is where Lisbon prayed and kept vigil, the night before Gama's first sail in search of India and for new routes and avenues of trade. The Monastery also holds the remains of Lisbon's famous Poet Luis Vaz De Camoes, who wrote the epic piece, 'The Lusiads', which covers Gama's travels. It is a resplendant Church and Monastery, built in the Manueline Architectural Style, definitely one of the finest Churches in Europe. A unique feature here are the Paintings of all of Jesus' Apostles.