Belém Tower
About Belém Tower
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What people say
Pedro Pereira
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"Protecting Lisbon and its surroundings became a necessity during the Age of Discoveries. King D. João II (1455-1495) took the initiative to draw up an innovative and effective plan, which consisted of the formation of a tripartite defense between the Cascais bastion and the fortress of S. Sebastião da Caparica, on the other bank of the river , and a third fortress, the Belém Tower. Due to the death of King D. João II, D. Manuel I, his successor, was responsible for having the Belém Tower erected. Construction began in 1514 and remained completed in 1520. As a symbol of the King's prestige, its decoration displays the Manueline's own symbolism – calabres that surround the building, finishing it with elegant knots, armillary spheres, crosses of the Military Order of Christ and naturalistic elements.
In the structure of the Tower we can distinguish two parts: the tower, more slender and with four vaulted rooms, and the bastion, of modern design and wider, with a casemate where, all around, the artillery was located. It is currently a cultural reference, a symbol of the country's specificity that goes through privileged dialogue with other cultures and civilizations."
Joana Costa
"The Torre de Belém, is an architectural treasure that dates back to the 16th century. Located on the banks of the Tagus River, the tower was part of a defensive system to protect the city and served as a starting point for Portuguese maritime expeditions. Its construction combines Gothic and Manueline elements, with intricate details and maritime symbols carved in stone. The tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a powerful representation of the Age of Discovery and an enduring symbol of Portugal's glorious past as a great maritime power."
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Cheyenne Stienbarger
"One of my favorite landmarks in Lisbon! The Belém Tower, like the monastery, was also constructed in the 16th century and was strategically positioned at the mouth of the Tagus River, providing protection to the city and controlling access to the harbor.
I've only ever viewed the tower from the outside, but the tower is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its interior and enjoy panoramic views from its upper levels. Regular adult ticket: €6.
This & the Jerónimos Monastery are easily accessible from the Belem metro station."
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