Category: Travel

Going on a motorcycle road trip can be the experience of a lifetime! From feeling the cool breeze on your skin to seeing some majestic scenery, there really isn’t anything like it. However, while these trips are always incredible, you never know when something can go wrong. To lower the chances of experiencing a problem, make sure you know what to expect.

Keep reading to learn 5 things to know before embarking on your motorcycle travel adventure.

Know how to pack effectively

If you’re about to ride off on your first motorcycle road trip, you may have no idea what to pack. For starters, it’s important to understand how to pack lightly. On many occasions, people pack way more than they need for their first motorcycle adventure. Not only does this take up valuable space on your bike, but it can also weigh you down. The heavier your bike is, the more you pay in gas. If you need more room, consider purchasing a luggage carrier that attaches to your bike. As far as what to pack, only carry the essentials, including clothes for unexpected weather.

Understand how exhausted you might be

Especially if this is your first motorcycle road trip, make sure you understand how tiring the venture can get. While you won’t be running up a mountain, riding a motorcycle takes a lot out of you—much more than driving a car. That said, be sure to plan for breaks and rest stops. This is even more important if you’re riding in extremely cold or hot weather, as these conditions can wear you out faster. Also, staying hydrated is vital. Not drinking enough can make you feel fatigued and even lightheaded, so it’s best to stay hydrated at all times. If you don’t enjoy stopping for water breaks, invest in a hydration pack.

Know the best time to grab food

While staying hydrated is essential, eating right is also highly important. Unless you pack your own meals, you’ll want to understand when and where you’ll stop for food. If you want to get back on the road quickly, it’s best to stop at off-peak eating hours. For example, grab lunch at 10:30 am instead of noon. This lowers the chance of experiencing large crowds and long wait times at restaurants. This is even more important if you’re driving on a busy highway. If there are only a few restaurants along the road, these may be packed during normal eating hours.

Understand your riding limits

It’s important to never overdo it on your motorcycle. If you’re planning a long-distance ride, make sure you understand how many miles you can drive each day. This number largely depends on your preferences and experience level. While some riders have no trouble venturing 1,000 miles in 24 hours, this can be a massive challenge for beginners. If you’re just starting out, consider riding about 150 miles/day until you build up endurance. As you get more comfortable, around 300 miles/day should be your goal.

Know the right tools and items to bring

You would hate to be in the middle of nowhere without the right tools. To ensure a safe and stress-free trip, understand which tools and items to take on your ride. This list should include a tire-plug kit, air pump, earplugs, extra gloves, wrenches, sockets, headlamps, flashlights, a Swiss Army knife, and a stocked first aid kit.

Going on a motorcycle adventure can be life-changing! By understanding the points above, you can stay safe and make the most of your trip.

Impress your friends with your knowledge of these crazy facts about New York City.

1. New York Food Firsts

Food inventions that come from New York include:

• English muffins
• Spaghetti and meatballs
• Eggs benedict
• Pasta primavera
• Ice cream cones

Pizza is not a New York invention. It came from Italy. However, New York-style pizza-by-the-slice is world famous. The first American pizzeria, Lombardi’s Pizza, located at 32 Spring Street, opened in 1905 and is still operating.

2. Weird Freedoms and Bizarre Laws

New York has a history of weird laws and unusual freedoms. This problem happens because many regulations become part of the legal record, and there is no process to review and remove them. Once a law exists, it may stay on the books forever, even if it seems absurd.

• Going topless, for all sexes, is legal in public.
• Showing your breasts in public is no problem; however, if a man wears a suit jacket, his pants must match.
• Honking is illegal, and so is farting while in church. It seems like these laws are never enforced.
• It is against the law to take a stroll on Sunday with an ice cream cone in your pocket.
• You might get a fine for having an illegal puppet show in your window.
• There is no peeing on pigeons allowed in Central Park.
• It is illegal to let your donkey sleep in your bathtub.

3. Strange Items at the Library

The New York Public Library has many strange and weird things in its archives, which include:

• A collection of human hair with some locks from Wild Bill Hickok, Mary Shelley (author of Frankenstein), and Walt Whitman
• A letter opener made from the paw of Charles Dickens’ favorite cat
• Jack Kerouac’s boots, cigarette lighter, harmonicas, and a postcard where he wrote “blood” using some of his blood

4. Mole People

“Mole People” are homeless people who live underground in abandoned subway tunnels, railway tunnels no longer in use, airshafts, and the sewer system. There are nearly 60,000 people who sleep each night above ground in the homeless shelters provided by the city. No one knows exactly how many homeless people live underground, but the number must be huge.

The so-called “Freedom Tunnel” is packed with people. In 1980, Amtrak stopped using this tunnel for its railway line. Homeless people have used the 2.6-mile-long tunnel ever since.

There is a book about them called Tunnel People written by Teun Voeten and a documentary film called Dark Days that UK filmmaker Marc Singer produced.

5. Missing Persons

Each year there are over 13,000 missing-persons reports in New York City. Most are found, yet hundreds become added to the group of long-term missing persons when they are missing for two months or longer. Even more strange are the thousands of records of unidentified persons. These bodies the police find, and nobody knows who they are.

The New York Department of Medical Examiner works to help identify the bodies of the “Jane” and “John Does” to determine who they are. They ask families of missing persons across the country to send samples for potential DNA matching and give information for identification purposes only.

The Medical Examiner’s staff does the difficult forensic work to determine who the police just pulled out of the East River, floating face down.

World travelers regard Rio De Janeiro as one of the greatest cities in South America if not the world. From its famous iconic landmarks to tremendous natural beauty to its rich cultural history, this city is truly one of a kind.

Read on to ensure that you don’t miss these five “must see” attractions during your Rio De Janeiro vacation.

1. Christ the Redeemer

One of the most famous large-scale statues in the world, Christ the Redeemer is all the more impressive due to the majestic setting that surrounds it. Mounted at the top of Rio De Janeiro’s Corcovado Peak, this figure seems to embrace the entire city in its massive outstretched arms. Although there are many bigger statues in existence, Christ the Redeemer is the biggest to be constructed out of concrete and soapstone. Visitors can ride a vertical cog train to the base of the statue and then take a series of elevators, escalators, and/or stairsteps to its very top.

2. Copacabana Beach

Tourists mingle freely with locals on bustling Copacabana Beach. People play soccer and volleyball in the sand as fisherman offer their morning catch for sale and venders enthusiastically hawk snacks and beverages from a line of kiosks. Visitors love to stroll along the beautiful historical promenade that stretches a mile and a half along the beach. It is also worthwhile to check out the Copacabana Fort Museum, an active military base with a series of wartime exhibits that are open to the public.

3. Sugar Loaf Mountain

Located remarkably close to Copacabana Beach, Sugar Loaf Mountain is a particularly great destination at sunset. In fact, visitors can even take in the sunset while they ascend to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain in glass-walled cable cars called “bondinhos” or “teleféricos.” At the end of the trip, they find themselves roughly 1,300 feet above the inlet of Guanabara Bay. The peak is also home to a broad spectrum of wildlife that includes giant anteaters and marmoset monkeys.

4. Jardim Botanico

The crown jewel of Rio de Janeiro’s Lagoa neighborhood, the Jardim Botanico (or Botanical Garden) is home to more than 8,000 plant species. The biggest draws at the Jardim Botanico include its avenues of towering palm trees, its roughly 600 species of orchids, and its Japanese garden complete with manicured pond and water lilies. It is also home to numerous impressive artistic monuments as well as the environmental exhibitions of the new Museu do Meio Ambiente.

5. The Carioca Aqueduct

A defining landmark of the Lapa neighborhood, the Carioca Aqueduct is also known as the Lapa Arches. This is because the Carioca Aqueduct, which supplied fresh drinking water to the city in the 18th century, is no longer operational, but the arches that once supported it are still there. The most prominent feature of the Carioca Aqueduct is a segment that consists of two stories of massive white arches.

When it comes to global travel destinations, few cities have the unique beauty and historical significance of the Lebanese capital Beirut. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Lebanon Mountains, this ancient city has long served as an important link between the Middle East and the rest of the world.

From its incredible architecture to its natural splendor, Beirut has attractions that are like no others. Here are just five that you don’t want to leave the city without visiting.

1. Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque

Positioned next to a Christian church and directly in front of ancient Roman ruins, the Mohammad al-Amin Mosque is the perfect place to reflect on Beirut’s amazing history and melting-pot culture. Popularly known as the Blue Masjid, the mosque is an exceptional example of post-modern Middle Eastern architecture with a central blue dome that is roughly 185 high and minarets that shoot more than 213 feet into the sky.

2. The American University of Beirut (AUB)

Beirut’s most prestigious university is also home to some of its most historic buildings. But architecture isn’t the only thing that attracts hordes of visitors to the American University of Beirut (AUB). The AUB campus is home to a private beach, bird sanctuary, and impressive botanical gardens. It is dotted with hundreds of tree species that hail from locations around the world. Housing an immense collection of priceless artifacts, the AUB Archaeological Museum is open to the public throughout the week.

3. National Museum of Beirut

If museum-going is your thing, you will certainly want to visit the National Museum of Beirut to peruse its diverse collection of 100,000 ancient and medieval artifacts. It is particularly rich in ancient Phoenician objects including a marble sarcophagus with a stunning depiction of a Phoenician ship and a bronze statue of the Phoenician god Reshep that dates back to 19th century BC.

4. Raouche’s Pigeon Rocks

The top natural attraction within the city limits of Beirut is Pigeon Rocks. Located just off the Mediterranean coastline in the bustling residential and commercial neighborhood of Raouche, Pigeon Rocks loom large as geological monoliths surrounded by crashing waves. You can casually view them from a mainland café or hire a speedboat to examine their cavernous features more closely.

5. Roman Baths

A breathtaking testament to Beirut’s Roman roots, its Roman Berytus (Roman Baths) are situated in the heart of its downtown district. These impressive ruins are divided into four sections that offer an exceptional look back in time. The Roman Baths is also the site of a world-class Mediterranean garden as well as regular musical concerts and artistic performances.

In addition to its status as the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, the wealthiest of the seven emirates in the UAE. It serves to reason that Dubai would have some pretty amazing attractions, but many of the tourist destinations in this luxurious city seemed to be plucked out of the world of fiction if not science fiction!

Here are five places that you’ll want to consider visiting on your next trip to Dubai:

1. Dubai Miracle Garden

Aptly named, this massive 775,000-square-foot flower garden is likely the largest of its kind in the world. The real “miracle” here, however, is that these roughly 45 million individual flowers are blooming in the midst of the incredibly dry and harsh Arabian Desert. The Dubai Miracle Garden features flowerbeds of nearly every size, shape, and form. It even has a fanciful Smurf garden for children!

2. The Burj Khalifa Observation Deck

This is a “must see” destination for visitors to Dubai, many of whom have seen photographs taken from its lofty, 1,800-foot heights. The Burj Khalifa Observation Deck (otherwise known as “At the Top”) occupies the 124th story of Dubai’s landmark Burj Khalifa building. Towering well over 2,700 feet in total, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building and self-supported structure in history. At the Top also offers guided tours to the 148th story of the Burj Khalifa.

3. The Museum of the Future

Located on the boarder of Dubai’s famous financial district, the Museum of the Future is, first and foremost, a marvel of futuristic architecture that manages to stick out within a dazzlingly fascinating skyline. Its exterior is covered with Arabic calligraphy that spell out a poem by Emirate of Dubai leader Sheikh Mohammed. Inside, the Museum of the Future hosts a series of fantastic and innovative exhibitions that show just what future hold lead for Dubai and the rest of the world.

4. The Queen Elizabeth 2

The longest-serving ocean liner in the Cunard Line and one of the fastest passenger ships of the 1900’s, the Queen Elizabeth 2 sailed 5.6 million miles while in active service. After idling in the breaker’s yard, it took on a new life in 2008. Permanently anchored in Dubai’s Mina Rashid harbor, it serves as a 224-room floating hotel with amenities such as the splendid Grand Lounge showroom, the quaint Golden Lion British pub, and the period authentic Chart Room.

5. Ski Dubai

Flat, dry, and hot, the Arabian Desert is the very last place that you would expect to go snow skiing. But Dubai is nothing if not surprising. The massive resort Ski Dubai is home to an indoor winter wonderland with a 279-foot “mountain” that has multiple ski runs that include the first indoor course to get a black diamond rating. Because tourists generally don’t bring winter gear to Dubai, Ski Dubai’s entrance fee includes all the ski gear you might need.

Boasting just under three million square miles of space, Australia is simply massive. So, it’s often quite easy to only focus on the top tourist spots while visiting this country. Sydney Opera House anyone? But doing that leaves you without a glimpse into the real heart and soul of the land. Fortunately, you can broaden your horizons without having to explore every last inch of the country by simply heading out on any or all of these five adventures.

Go Back in Time with a Visit to Arkaba

For a journey into the past and future of Australia, a trip to Arkaba is a must. Set in the Flinders Ranges, this 60,000-acre wildlife conservancy lets you explore all the local birds and wildlife on air, driving, and walking safaris galore.

Emus, wallabies, and kangaroo regularly make an appearance, of course. But there are also wedge-tailed eagles, goanna, fat-tailed dunnart, and so much more wandering all across the land. If you simply cannot tear yourself away after your explorations, stick around to stay in their lodge for the weekend or longer. 

Explore Ocean Wonders at the Ningaloo Reef

If you’d like to see all the ocean wonders around Australia, put the Ningaloo Reef on your radar, for sure. Located along the western side of the continent, this 160-mile ecosystem faces the Indian Ocean, offering a truly unique snorkeling experience for all.

As you snorkel along the reef, you’ll get a chance to see dugongs and manta rays up close and even swim alongside whale sharks. Over 270 types of coral will come into view as well along with marine species not found anywhere else in the world, including humpback dolphins.

Take the City Circle Tram Through Melbourne

For a whirlwind tour of all the best sights in Melbourne, you just have to hop on the City Circle Tram. As you ride on the iconic green and yellow W-class tram, the audio commentary will point out all the landmarks along the way.

Depending on where you get on and get off, you’ll likely see:

• Melbourne Museum
• Federation Square
• SEA Life Melbourne Aquarium

You’re welcome to hop off at any stop along the way to visit the major attractions that speak to you the most.

Sign Up for a Full Tour of Beautiful Sydney

The sky is the limit in what you can do in Sydney, so why not see it all on a world-class tour? There are many tour options to consider, too, including cruises through the harbor, Blue Mountains retreats, and cheese, wine, and chocolate explorations.

If you plan wisely, you can work two tours into a single day, allowing you to see all the best sights around. Then, you can use the rest of your time to explore all the top spots discovered with help from your informative guides.

Travel Along Scenic Routes While Piloting a V8 Holden

If you just want to feel the wind in your hair while exploring all the Australian landscapes, rent a V8 Holden and hit the road in style. The continent offers seemingly endless road trip routes to explore, like:

• Gold Coast to Cairns
• Sydney to Brisbane
• Red Centre Way Loop
• Gibb River Road
• Perth to Esperance

Plan your trip wisely because the wide-open swathes of land can take a considerable amount of time to traverse. Don’t forget to pack extra food and water, emergency supplies, a paper map, and a personal locator beacon along with all your other supplies.

The choice is yours on how you want to experience Australia. You just have to reflect on what you want to see and do, and then map out all your adventures before landing. 

Are you planning a trip to the Emerald Isle? With so much to see and do there, you are sure to have a wonderful time. However, if you want your vacation to go as smoothly as possible, here are five things you really ought not to do.

Five Things You Should Never Do as a Tourist in Ireland

Number 5: Embarrass Yourself in a Pub

While the stereotype of Irish people spending all of their free time in a pub isn’t entirely true, that doesn’t mean they’re teetotalers. A vacation to Ireland will likely include at least a few nights in the pub. If you are lucky enough to be invited to go out with locals, don’t be surprised if one of them buys you a drink. But that doesn’t mean you are getting a freebie. The person who bought you a drink will expect you to pay for the next round of drinks. 

Number 4: Talk About ‘The Troubles’ 

The Troubles were the name of a conflict between the Protestant loyalists and the Catholic nationalists in Northern Ireland. Although the dispute has been mostly over for more than twenty years, it is still a touchy subject for many in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Don’t bring up the topic, and try not to give your opinion one way or the other if asked. Whatever you do, don’t order an Irish Car Bomb in a pub as a joke. It won’t end well. 

Number 3: Trying to Talk With an ‘Irish’ Accent

The number of foreign visitors to Ireland that try out their ‘Irish’ accents or slang hovers right at about 95 percent. If you want to keep a shred of respect among locals, don’t be one of them. No matter what anyone told you, your Irish accent doesn’t sound authentic, and no one says “Top of the mornin’ to you.” Oh, and if you are looking for the bathroom, forget about calling it “the Jacks,” and stick to using the word “restroom,” or you may wet yourself before the person you asked stops laughing. 

Number 2: Refer to St. Patrick’s Day as St. Patty’s Day

Have you ever wished someone “Happy St. Patty’s Day” on March 17th? Don’t do that in Ireland. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t say “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” or “Happy St. Paddy’s Day,” but the Americanized name of the holiday is particularly grating to Irish people. After all, the holiday is named after St. Patrick, and there are only two nicknames for Patrick; “Pat” or “Paddy” — with two D’s and never two T’s.

Number 1: Say You’re Irish If You Haven’t Been to Ireland Before

Although 1 in 10 Americans can claim Irish ancestry, it is probably not a good idea to proclaim yourself Irish in Ireland unless you were born there. Few things annoy locals more than Americans doing that. And no, just because you may share a family with a local doesn’t mean you are related, so don’t ask. 

Follow these tips, and you will surely have a wonderful time in Ireland. 

 

 

Travel is a favorite activity for many. But experienced explorers may be a bit tired of seeing the same old well-known tourist attractions. Luckily, there are incredible hidden gems waiting to be uncovered by travelers in just about every destination. Read on to learn the secrets to finding them!

1. Research

A little bit of research can go a long way toward uncovering some of the lesser-known but still amazing attractions during your trip. Even a simple internet search for “things to do in ____” (filling in the blank with your destination) can unearth a surprising amount of choices. You can opt for mainstream sites like TripAdvisor, which offer the benefit of the wisdom of crowds in sifting out bad options. But for real hidden gems, you may want to consult more off-beat choices like Atlas Obscura, which offers weird, wild, and otherwise strange spots from major cities to small towns. Another way to find some hidden gems is to get lost – deliberately! Using the Dérive app, you’ll play what’s essentially an exploring game, where you follow simple tasks that may help you see even familiar cities in an entirely different light. Other great ideas include reading local bloggers or local news to see what the residents are talking about and focused on – it could unlock parts of a place you’d never expected! 

2. Consult Your Maps

Sometimes, the easiest way to find hidden gems is to just go looking for them! A close inspection of a map of your destination (either via services like Google Maps or a physical paper copy) can reveal otherwise unknown towns, green spaces, attractions, and more. You might uncover a potential scenic route or day trip that would have gone unnoticed. 

3. Get Off the Highway 

Interstates and other big highways are great for getting where you’re going as quickly as possible. But this fast pace and limited-access travel can keep you from discovering many amazing sights. Taking local roads will extend your travel time but also put you face to face with diverse communities at a pace that allows you to stop and explore. Who knows what you might discover in exchange for a few extra minutes in the car?

4. Walk

The same principle applies once you’ve arrived in a particular destination. Walking puts you intimately in touch with the community and slows you down enough to observe little things you might otherwise miss. You may find yourself poking your head into museums, shops, restaurants, or other spots you’d have either skipped or ignored altogether. Plus, it’s great exercise!

5. Talk to the Locals

Who knows a place better than the folks who live there? This can be employees at your hotel, tourism workers at a visitor center, bartenders, or anyone else you come in contact with during your visit. Most people are proud of their home town, and simply asking them about the best things to see and do can often produce a detailed and enthusiastic response. This can be an excellent way to find out which much-hyped spots may just be overrated tourist traps and which under-the-radar options shouldn’t be missed. 

Find Those Hidden Gems Waiting For You On Your Next Trip

Don’t waste your time on your next trip seeing the same old spots everyone else does. Find the hidden gems that will make unforgettable memories for you and your traveling companions. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have no trouble, no matter where you roam. 

France is a big country with over 67 million people, and each person seems to do things in his or her way. And yet, there is a French way, practiced by all of them. You can respect your hosts on your visit to their country by not doing these five things.

Changing Your Restaurant Meal

In a French restaurant, only one person rules. And it isn’t you or any other customer. The chef reigns and he works hard to bring you the benefit of his craft by perfecting the combination presented before you by the waiter.

So don’t you dare make any change to what you see on the table before you. And that includes holding the onions because their taste is too strong, substituting low-calorie anything for the fattening parts of a dessert, or having the salad dressing on the side. And don’t even think about asking for ketchup to use on any part of the food.

Talking Loudly

The French value privacy, discretion, and civility. They do not like loud talking, particularly on cellphones, or noisy behavior. They do not eavesdrop on other people but can only do that if you keep your conversations to a quiet level. Speaking respectfully with a lowered tone will garner a better response than if you raise your voice. On public transportation, respect others’ privacy by maintaining your personal space and being quiet.

Speaking Only in English

When a foreign tourist visits your hometown and asks you a question in their language, do you just give them a blank stare? So why are you surprised at any French people who react the same way when you start talking to them in English? They’re not being rude. They just don’t know what you’re saying.

Less than 40 percent of the French speak English to some degree. And they are justifiably enamored of their language, which sounds beautiful. So make the effort to learn a few French phrases, so you can initiate any interaction in their language.

Expecting Things to Be Open on Sundays

In America, nearly all the stores, restaurants, and other businesses that serve consumers keep their doors open on Sundays. Not in France. The day is reserved for families, and in many areas, the government forbids businesses to open on Sundays. However, if you do a web search before you arrive, you’ll usually find retailers or eateries that are open on the traditional day of rest. You can then plan on patronizing those establishments on Sundays.

Coming in August

You may be thrilled to be visiting Paris, Marseille, or any other large French city during your summer vacation, but don’t arrive in August. If you do, all you’ll encounter are other tourists who are wondering where all the locales are and why the country seems abandoned.

August is when the French also have their vacations, which they take quite seriously. They’re either abroad or relaxing at Mediterranean beaches. Many of the small and charming shops that you hope to see will be closed then as well because that is when their proprietors are off.

Widely regarded by frequent travelers as one of the greatest cities in the world, the Portuguese capital city of Lisbon is known for its dramatic colonialist history, beautiful landscapes, amazing cuisine, must-see museums, and traditional Fado music. But no tourist should leave the city without completing a thorough tour of its one-of-a-kind landmarks, architectural attractions, and official monuments. Here are just five places that you don’t want to miss during your Lisbon vacation:

1. The Santa Justa Lift

A striking structure in the heart of downtown Lisbon, the Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa) is unique to say the least. An industrial marvel from the 19th century, this 45-meter iron tracery and functional elevator was designed by Raul Mesnier de Ponsard, a Portuguese disciple of Gustave Eiffel. Guests can ride to the top of this beloved national monument to take in spectacular views of St. George’s Castle among other architectural wonders.

2. Carmo Convent

Many historic cities, including Lisbon, are home to a number of breathtaking cathedrals that are fully intact. But none evoke the truly unusual, haunting beauty of the ruined Carmo Convent (Convento do Carmo). In fact, many people regard it as Lisbon’s most extraordinary church even though it has been roofless since the damage it sustained in the massive earthquake of 1755. Its sweeping gothic arches date back to the 1300s, while its Manueline windows and other details were added in the 16th and 18th centuries.

3. St. George’s Castle

Located at the top of the highest hill in the city, St. George’s Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge) offers excellent views of Lisbon and the surrounding landscape. Over the centuries, this extremely beautiful castle has served as a key fortification for the Romans, the Visigoths, and the Moors, as well as the Portuguese monarchy. Many of St. George’s Castle’s historical features remain intact including its 18 towers, miliary canons, underground chambers, and camera obscura.

4. Águas Livres Aqueduct

An 18th century engineering marvel, the Águas Livres Aqueduct (Aqueduto das Águas Livres) was constructed to bring fresh water to Lisbon from the hills to its north. It covers roughly 14 kilometers from its Caneças to the city reservoir of Mãe d’Água das Amoreiras. Visitors can schedule tours of the inside of the aqueduct through the Water Museum and the Mãe d’Água das Amoreiras serves as the site for regular cultural events and exhibitions.

5. The Monastery of St. Jerome

A World Heritage Site of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the Monastery of St. Jerome (Jerónimos Monastery) was built in the 16th century as a home and workplace for the monks of the Order of Saint Jerome. The monastery’s church (Igreja de Santa Maria de Belém) is home to the tombs of several prominent historical figures including Sebastião I, whose remains were interred there by King Filipe I to end the popular belief that Sebastião I was destined to return for Portugal’s salvation.