Belém Tower, Lisbon, Portugal

Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (along with the nearby Jerónimos Monastery) because of the significant role it played in the Portuguese maritime discoveries of the era of the Age of Discoveries. The tower was commissioned by King John II to be part of a defence system at the mouth of the Tagus river and a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon.

The tower was built around 1514 by Francisco de Arruda and is a prominent example of the Portuguese Manueline style, but it also incorporates hints of other architectural styles. The structure was built from lioz limestone and is composed of a bastion and a 30-metre, four-storey tower. It has incorrectly been stated that the tower was built in the middle of the Tagus and now sits near the shore because the river was redirected after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. In fact, the tower was built on a small island in the Tagus River near the Lisbon shore.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Shruti Kapoor (12 months ago)
Beautiful tower. Best to go in the evening to capture the sunset light. Not much to do other than take a photo or two. If you are interested in knowing its history, either read up or go with your guide.

Coach T (12 months ago)
Definitely a Crowded place. If you enjoy a beautiful view it’s worth a visit. The lines just to take a decent picture were crazy. Cute park near by. Overall a nice place to take some good photos eventually.

Natnaree Nasom (12 months ago)
Belem Tower is a true architectural gem that captivates with its historic charm and stunning riverside location. Exploring its intricate design and rich history was an unforgettable experience. The panoramic views from the top are simply breathtaking, offering a perfect vantage point to admire the beauty of Lisbon and the surrounding nature

Mehran MxM (13 months ago)
This tower is more beautiful from the outside. Inside consists of one room in each floor with an excellent view of the water. This is not surprising as this was the intended purpose of the tower, a viewing platform. I definitely recommend a visit. Come early so as not to waste time waiting. As you have to climb a very narrow staircase, they control the traffic in each direction.. so if you come late, not only do you have to wait to get into the Tower, but you have to wait in queues inside going up the stairs.

Saidur Rahman Babu (13 months ago)
Many stores around the area where you can buy all kinds of souvenirs. You can you buy some foods like egg tarts, breads and other Portuguese delights. A beautiful old and historical structure. A great place for photos. The river is beautiful and you can see the port and the famous bridge from here.

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