The tower that looks over the Tagus

The Belém Tower is one of the most magnificent Portuguese monuments and therefore, it was recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage

This monument is one of several architectural elements that defines the riverside landscape in the Belém area and was built in honor of Saint Vincent -the saint patron of Lisbon. It was part of a tripartite defense system between Cascais and Caparica on the other bank of the Tagus.

It was built on the north bank of the Tagus River between 1514 and 1520, during the reign of the King Manuel I in the Age of Discoveries. At this time Lisbon has become an obligatory stop for those who sailed the international trade routes , hence needed to protect the city.

The decor of the tower has Manueline style features with the ropes surrounding the building, the armillary spheres, and crosses of the Military Order of Christ, as well as naturalistic elements. It also has Islamic and Eastern influences in its decorative elements, and the buds domes covering the watchtowers of the most significant examples.

Over the centuries the Tower of Belém gradually lost its defensive function, and from the Philippine occupation, the barns gave way to the dungeons. On the four floors of the tower the same divisions remain, the Governor's Room, the Hall of Kings, the Courtroom and the chapel with its traditional sixteenth century vaults.

Address: Belem Tower 1400-206 Lisbon

Phone: (+351) 21 362 0034

Schedule:

October to March from 10.00 to 18.30 (last entry at 17.30).

April to September, from 10.00 to 17.30 (last entry at 17.00).

Closed: Monday, January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1 June 13, 24 and 25 December

Check the prices here.