Torre de Belém, A Symbol of Maritime Glory and Historical Might

Av Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon

Belém Tower is located by the sea in Lisbon

4.1

Introduction

The Belém Tower is a historic five-story defense structure built between 1514 and 1520, located in the Belém district of Lisbon, Portugal. Initially used to defend the port and monastery, it later served as a customs, telegraph tower, and lighthouse and was also the starting point for many Portuguese expeditions. The tower houses eerie dungeons and 16th-century cannons and has even been used to detain important political prisoners. The tower is divided into two parts: the tower and the bulwark, which has many gun positions and storage rooms. There are 16 gun positions along the wall for defense. The tower also has four arched rooms, namely the officer's room, the king's room, the audience room, and a small chapel. The entrance is on the south-facing wall, and the facade features excellent stone carvings. The tower's overall design combines battle and life, which helps protect the cannons, drain accumulated water, and disperse gunpowder. The tower houses many historical relics, including 16th-century cannons and Manueline-style symbols. In 1983, the Belém Tower was formally recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2007, it was rated as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

Address

Av Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon

Opening hours

From October to the following April, opening hours are 10:00-17:30
from May to September, opening hours are 10:00-18:30. Closed on Mondays, January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st, June 13th, and December 25th.

Transportation

Bus 727, 28, 729, 714, 751, 15 to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, get off and walk about 7 minutes.

Phone +351-213-620-034

Website http://www.torrebelem.pt