📖 Introduction
If Lisbon has a TOP 10 list of famous landmarks, Torre de Belém is certainly among them. This picturesque structure, over 500 years old, stands where the river meets the ocean and is one of the most photographed spots in Lisbon. Originally a defensive tower guarding the mouth of the Tagus, it also served as a landmark for returning sailors, a lighthouse, a customs center, and even a state prison.
Guardian of the Tagus
Built during the reign of King Manuel I in the early 16th century, its design reflects the king’s architectural preferences. Today, it is the only fully preserved structure in the Manueline style, characterized by rich maritime, oriental, and military decorations. Completed around 1519 by the renowned military architect Fernando de Arruda, it was originally situated on a small island in the middle of the Tagus as part of Lisbon’s defensive fort, initiated during the reign of King John II (Manuel I’s predecessor). The tower is now near the shore due to the river’s course change after the catastrophic 1755 earthquake. Today, it is accessible on foot via a park, promenade, and a small drawbridge.
Tower Architecture
Torre de Belém consists of two parts. The first is an irregular, hexagonal, heavily armed bastion with 17 cannon openings. Below the gun deck is a prison, and above it, a terrace. The second part is the four-story tower adjoining the north side of the bastion. The second floor is adorned with balconies, the third with decorations and armillary spheres in the corners. Around the fourth floor is a decorated parapet. Shields with the Cross of the Order of Christ, who organized Portuguese maritime expeditions, are also displayed all around. On the terrace, there is a statue of Our Lady of Belém, also known as Our Lady of Good Success or the Virgin of Good Voyage. The structure is also adorned with the first European sculptures and statues of rhinoceroses, which King Manuel I, known for collecting exotic animals, was very proud of. These animals were gifts to Portugal from India.
The entire tower was designed with twisted ropes carved in stone, forming a knot on the building’s north facade. The most impressive facade faces the river to inspire awe and respect from approaching ships.
Visitors can explore the tower’s rooms, view navigational instruments, tour the dungeons, and climb to the terrace for a stunning view of the river’s mouth.
Torre de Belém is not only a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture but also contains characteristic Moorish elements, such as richly decorated turrets. The entire structure is 114.8 feet high, with its lowest part submerged underwater. Over the years, the tower lost its defensive function and was used as a customs port (around 1655), a telegraph station (around 1810), and a lighthouse (around 1865).
World Heritage
In 1983, the tower was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and in 2007 registered as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Every year, it is visited by tourists from all over the world and captured in millions of photographs.