Surrounded by the Tagus River waters, the Belem Tower is a symbol of Portugal and one of its main monuments.
Entrance to the Belem Tower is made by crossing a bridge that connects the monument to the beach, providing one of the most classic views of the place!
Located in the parish of Belem, in Lisbon, the Belem Tower is classified as a National Monument and also a UNESCO World Heritage. In July 2007, the destination was elected as one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders.
The monument is an icon of D. Manuel I reign’s architecture and an example of the transition between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance buildings.
The Belem Tower’s actual name is Saint Vincent Tower, but is nicknamed as this since it’s located in Belém.
Strategically built on the right bank of the Tagus River, between 1514 and 1520, its initial function was to protect the city of Lisbon against enemy attacks.
The Belem Tower is a historical landmark in the Discoveries Era, because it was from where the first Portuguese ships departed towards the Indies.
Besides that, the fortification was part of the defensive plan of the Tagus River and, over the centuries, has already been used as a customs, signpost and lighthouse.
The Belem Tower is a reference and symbol of Portugal, bringing together elements of other civilizations such as Islamic and Eastern, that form and characterize its rich culture.
The tower’s architecture clearly reveals the extravagance and strong nationalism of Portugal’s era as a world power.
On the first floor, there’s the Governor’s Room. In the 16th century, there was the position of Tower’s Governor, a position of prestige and royal distinction. The Governor represented the king and exercised military, administrative and judicial functions.
On the second floor, we find the King’s Room. From this room we have access to the communicating doors for the exuberant Venetian-inspired balconies. This space was used for both attack and defense of the Tower.
On the third floor there is the Courtroom, used as meeting room with stone benches and a fireplace.
Following up the spiral staircase, we find the Chapel, used for recollection and prayer. The room has 16th-century architectural elements with symbols of D. Manuel’s reign, such as the cross of Christ and the royal coat of arms.
At the top of the Tower there is a terrace with a beautiful view of the Tagus River and the Belem monuments.
If you want to get to know the Belem Tower from the inside, arrive early, since there’s a limited number of people admitted on the inside and long lines may form.
Visiting the Belem Tower is a wonderful part of the Belem region tour and its many sights! Come for a visit and let yourself be enchanted by this Portugal icon!
Watch the video of our tour in the Belem Tower!
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