Belém Tower
A Manueline stone tower guarding the Atlantic for five centuries — Portugal's finest surviving monument to the Age of Discovery.
Overview
Belém Tower is Lisbon's landmark, built in the 16th century as a witness to Portugal's Age of Discovery. Its design blends Manueline and Moorish elements.
History
Belém Tower was built between 1516 and 1521 to a design by the architect Francisco de Arruda, originally as a fortification at the mouth of the Tagus and later used as a customs post, prison and lighthouse. A masterpiece of Manueline style, it is covered with carvings of ropes, coral and the cross of the Order of Christ. Its rhinoceros relief is considered the earliest realistic depiction of the animal in Europe, based on a gift sent to King Manuel I in 1515. It became a World Heritage Site in 1983.
Highlights
- •Exquisite Manueline rope and coral stone carving
- •The tower mirrored in the river at sunset
- •Europe's earliest realistic rhinoceros relief
- •Views to the Atlantic and the Monument to the Discoveries
- •A natural pairing with the neighbouring Jerónimos Monastery
Practical tips
- •Combine your visit with the Jerónimos Monastery
- •Free entry on Sundays
Practical information
- Best time
- April to October
- Tickets
- EUR 6 for adults, EUR 3 for visitors under 27
- Opening hours
- 10:00–17:30 from October to May; 10:00–18:30 from June to September; closed Mondays
- Local food
- Custard tarts, salt cod dishes and piri-piri chicken
- Getting around
- Tram 28 and the metro cover the main areas, and Sintra is reached by train
- Visa
- Portugal is in the Schengen area and requires a short-stay Schengen visa. Apply early for the peak season in Lisbon.
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