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Belém Tower in Lisboa - Portugal's most popular attraction
Where is located Belém Tower?
Address of Belém Tower is Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
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When was built Belém Tower?
Built date of Belém Tower is 1514 - 1520
Facts, informations and history of Belém Tower
The Belem Tower was built in 1515 as a fortress protecting the entrance to the port of Lisbon, it was the starting point for many exploration trips, and for sailors it was the last view of their homeland.
Once King Jan II ordered a ship to defend the bay permanently on this shore. This ship remained here throughout his kingdom, then his concept was repeated by his successor, King Manuel I. It wasn't until the 15th century that Manuel decided to build a permanent tower, which was more economically profitable than owning a ship on water all the time. This is how the construction of the Belem Tower began.
When construction began, it was still on a small island halfway down the river. The situation changed after a great earthquake that shook this city in 1755. Then the river changed its course, moving the island closer to the mainland, and eventually connecting it with the shore.
The building, located in the Lisbon district of Belém, was made of limestone and consists of a bastion and a four-storey tower 12 meters wide and 30 meters high.
Built in the Manueline style, it contains many stonework motifs of Explorers, including sculptures depicting historical figures such as St. Wincent and the exotic rhino that inspired the drawing of the Dürer beast.
Originally planned as a lighthouse, finally built as a defensive fortress on the orders of King Manuel I.
The main facade of the fortress overlooks the sea and offers a completely different impression of the tower than the one that can be admired along the river bank. Opposite the river are arcaded windows, delicate Venetian-style loggias and a monument to Our Lady of Safe Return to Home, a symbol of protection for sailors during their journey.
Divided into several levels, the interior of the bastion, along with the round stairs at the northern end, has two adjacent halls with vaulted ceilings supported on vaulted arches, as well as four storage spaces and sanitary rooms.
The first level is the Governor's Hall (Sala do Governador), the second is the Sala dos Reis (King's Hall), the third level is filled by the Auditorium (Sala das Audłatyas). The ceilings of all three floors are covered with empty concrete slabs. The Thursday floor contains a chapel, has a rib vault with niches characteristic of the Manueline style and is supported by carved brackets.
On the lower level of the bastion on the walls you can find space for 17 cannons with shooting ranges providing a view of the river. The upper level of the bastion is crowned by a small wall with bartyzans in strategic places, decorated with rounded shields with the cross of the Order of Christ surrounding the platform.
One of the main attractions is the rhinoceros head under the west tower facing the land. It is said to commemorate the first rhino in Europe, given to Manuel I as a gift from India.
The monument was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983.
Belém Tower is today one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lisbon, which is visited by over 500,000 people every year.
The Belem Tower is also one of the "7 wonders of Portugal", which also includes the Castle of Guimarães, Castle of Óbidos, Monastery of Batalha, Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon, Monastery of Alcobaça and National Palace in Sintra.
Architect of Belém Tower
How many meters have Belém Tower?
Height of Belém Tower is 30 meters
Construction/building type
Building Belém Tower is of type Tower
Architectural style
Architectural style of Belém Tower is Manueline
What material is the building made of?
Belém Tower is made of the following materials: limestone
Practical informations
What is the cost of entry for Belém Tower?
Tickets for Belém Tower are available at the following prices and variants:
- Adults: €6; combined with Jerónimos Monastery: €12; combined with Jerónimos Monastery and Ajuda Palace: €16
- People over 65 years old and with the Youth Card: 50% discount.
- Children under 12 years old and with Lisboa Card: Free.
At what times is open Belém Tower?
Belém Tower is open or accessible to the public on the following dates and times:
- October - April: 10:00 - 17:30.
- May - September: 10:00 - 18:30.
- Closed: Monday, January 1, May 1, Christmas Sunday and December 25.
Other names
The building is also known by other common names or in the original language, i.e. Tower of St Vincent
Is the building on the UNESCO World Heritage List?
The listing took place in the year 1983.
Details of the entry are available on the Unesco website at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/263bis/
Official website
The official website of the building, where up-to-date information can be found, is http://www.torrebelem.pt
Questions and answers
What is the history of the Belem Tower in Lisbon?
The Belem Tower was built between 1514 and 1520 as a defensive fortress at the mouth of the Tagus River in Lisbon. It served as a guard tower and a toll collection point during Portugal's golden age.
Is the Belem Tower open to visitors?
Yes, the Belem Tower is open to visitors, offering them the chance to explore its interior, viewing terraces, and interesting exhibitions.
Do you need to buy tickets in advance to visit the Belem Tower?
It is recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially during the tourist season, to avoid long queues. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site.
Do the viewing terraces of the Belem Tower offer beautiful views of Lisbon?
Yes, the viewing terraces of the Belem Tower provide picturesque views of Lisbon, the Tagus River, and the surrounding landscapes.
Is the Belem Tower far from the center of Lisbon?
No, the Belem Tower is relatively close to the center of Lisbon, making it easily accessible by public transport.
Is there a legend associated with the Belem Tower?
Yes, there is a legend that sailors returning to Lisbon feel relief and joy when they see the Belem Tower, as it signals their return home after a long sea voyage.
Was the Belem Tower ever used for defensive purposes?
Yes, the Belem Tower initially served a defensive role, protecting the mouth of the Tagus River and the city from potential maritime threats.
Are there exhibitions in the Belem Tower about the history of Portugal?
Yes, the interior of the Belem Tower hosts various exhibitions related to the history of Portugal, maritime exploration, and the country's golden age.
Is the Belem Tower open all year round?
Yes, the Belem Tower is open most days of the year. However, on certain holidays and special occasions, opening hours may vary.
Is the Belem Tower easily accessible by public transport?
Yes, the Belem Tower is well connected by public transport and can be reached by tram, bus, or boat, as well as by car.
Is the Belem Tower near other tourist attractions in Lisbon?
Yes, the Belem Tower is close to other important sites in Lisbon, such as the 25th of April Bridge and the Jeronimos Monastery, making it easy to plan a day of sightseeing.
Can visitors climb to the upper levels of the Belem Tower?
Yes, visitors can climb to the upper levels of the Belem Tower, allowing them to enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon.
Is the Belem Tower listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, the Belem Tower was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 as part of Lisbon's historic area.
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Add date: 06/11/2019 Update date: 10/11/2024 Number of views : 13735
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