Mercado Ver-o-Peso

Lonely Planet review

A symbol of the city, this waterfront market's name comes from colonial times, when the Portuguese would ver o peso (check the weight) of merchandise in order to impose taxes. The market's four-turreted iron structure is known, aptly enough, as the Mercado do Ferro. It was brought over in parts from Britain, and assembled and inaugurated in 1901. A profile of the turrets is commonly used as a symbol of Belém.

The four-turreted iron structure inside the market (visible from well outside of it) is known as the Mercado do Ferro. It was brought over in parts from Britain, and assembled and inaugurated in 1901. A profile of the turrets is commonly used as a symbol of Belém.

In and around the Ver-o-Peso, be very alert for thieves and pickpockets, who operate alone or in gangs. Avoid hanging around there after 5pm. Also, don't be fooled by tricksters who pose as foreigners who've been robbed and then ask you for money.