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Plans for the church of La Madeleine started in 1764 but after the death of the architect in 1777, the project was abandoned. Under Napolean I, works were resumed with the destruction of previous structures and the construction of a Greek temple-like building to honour the French Army. After the fall and death of Napolean, in 1842 the building was converted into a church dedicated to Saint Madeleine. Throughout the year the church programmes quality classical music concerts. Opening hours:  9.30 am to 7 pm Entrance free How to go: Concorde or Auber metro stations.

The church of Santa Maria de Belém originated from the expansion,  ordered by Henry the Navigator in the 15th century,  of a previous hermitage built on the site. The new church was trusted to the Order of Christ- of which Henry the Navigator was the Grand Master- to help the seamen that passed by Belém, as the hermitage had done before. In 1501, by order of King D. Manuel I, the Monastery of the Hieronymites started being built and the small church was totally remodelled in the Manueline and Renaissance styles. It was the king's wish that the church should become a pantheon for the dynasty (Avis-Beja) started by him, and that it continued to help the travellers passing through Belém. Like the Monastery, the church was significantly restored in the 19th century. Inside the church are the tombs of several historical figures: Luís de Camões, one of Portugal's greatest poets who lived in the 16th century, Vasco da Gama, the first navigator to go to In...

The church of San Francisco Javier was built in the 18th century, in the Baroque style, by the Jesuits. However, they were in charge of the church for just 14 years, in 1767 the Society of Jesus was suppressed in the Spanish Empire. In 1899 the church was transferred to the Missionaries of the Precious Blood which is why the church is also known as Church of the Precious Blood. Climbing up the tower there's a magnificent view of Caceres and its surroundings. The church has been the set of several motion pictures, including "1492: Conquest of Paradise", starring Gerard Depardieu, Armand Assante and Sigourney Weaver. Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Entrance fee: €1 (to access the tower and the exhibition) Back to Caceres

The Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady) and the 125-metre brick steeple dominating the skyline of Bruges were built between the 13th and 15th centuries. The tower is the tallest structure in the city and the second tallest brickwork tower in the world. The church houses a number of magnificent pieces of art and woodworks, like the Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo, probably meant for Siena cathedral but brought to Bruges in 1504. The ceremonial tomb of Mary of Burgundy is an example of late Gothic style while her father's, Charles the Bold, tomb was only completed in the mid 16th century, in an early Renaissance style, after his remains were brought to Bruges. Also noteworthy are the painted medieval tombs from the 14th century. Opening hours: 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays) Entrance fee: €4 Back to Bruges