Belém Tower

Located on Tagus River, adjacent to the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Belém Tower was built as a fortress to guard the Lisbon harbour. For the sailors it was the last sight of home before embarking on an unknown voyage. The Belém Tower was built in 1515 in the Manueline style like everything else in Portugal in the ‘Age of Discovery’. The tower boasts rich exterior with opulently decorated balconies facing the river. The 4-storeyed tower rests on six sided base, each corner of which is adorned with decorated turrets. The visit to the interior reveals the canon niches in the base. The statue of Virgin Mary and child adorn the wall of the base, it was meant to bless the seafarers. The royal residences on the second floor feature Venetian style loggia and balconies adorned with intricate carvings. An unobstructed view of the Belém and river Tagus can be seen from the terrace on the top floor. Take a stroll around the tower and marvel the pearly-grey building standing tall on the bank of the river. The iconic chess piece structure reveals the prosperity of Portugal during the Manueline era.