Belem Tower

Just outside the city-centre limits, Belem is a spacious green parish, which is located at the mouth of Tagus river from where earlier naval vessels used to set sail for their discovery voyages. During the early 16th century, King Manuel I built a tower like riverside fortress to guard Lisbon from outside attacks. Epitomising the nation’s Age of Discovery, the monument in course of time, became a proud emblem of Portugal’s seafaring history. Recognising this, UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage monument. The tower features brilliant stonework and includes open balconies, Moorish style watch towers, shield shaped parapets and Gothic styled interiors. As a symbol of safety for sailors, there is a statue of Our Lady of Safe Homecoming facing the sea.