On holiday in Lisbon? Don’t miss visiting the famous Tour de Belém, a symbol of the Age of Discoveries!
Apart from the European capital, Lisbon seduces by its climate, the kindness of its inhabitants but also by the many historical sites it houses. If you are passing through this city, many will be the monuments to visit.
The Belém Tower, or Torre de Belém in Portuguese, is undoubtedly the most emblematic of Portugal. Built in the 16th century, between 1514 and 1519, on the edge of Tage To control the entrance of the city by the sea, you can now visit the Tour de Belém in the homonymous district.
Did you plan to visit the Belém Tower in Lisbon? Discover in this article all the information that will be useful to you!
History of the Tour de Belém
The idea of building a fortress near Belém was launched in the 15th century by the king João II , which ordered the construction of a tower on the river Tage being part of a larger defensive wall. When the planes of the tower were completed, the king decreed, and the project was abandoned.
The project was revived in 1514, under the reign of his successor, the king Manuel I of Portugal . A new design of the fortified tower was designed by Francisco de Arruda (a military architect) and the construction began the following year (1515) near the port of Belém, the starting point of many Portuguese explorers during the Great Discoveries.
The tower was completed only six years later in 1521. At that time, the tower was named Torre de São Vicente (Tour Saint Vincent) because the king had put the tower under the protection of Saint Vincent, patron saint of Lisbon.
What to see and do at the Tour de Belém?
If you come to visit the Tour de Belém, you will not be able to pass by the elegance of the tower, which is the result of the new architecture of manulin style, named for King Manuel I. The manulin style is a Portuguese variant of the Gothic architecture found in North Europe but with exuberant decorations and ornaments on the nautical theme.
The style reflects the trust and wealth of Portugal that results from the Great Discoveries period, when explorers set up colonies and created new commercial routes that brought wealth from India and other distant destinations to Lisbon.
For a fortress, the Belém tower has a surprisingly rich exterior with beautiful balconies and ornaments sculpted in limestone, a testimony of the richness that Portugal was known at the time of the manulin style.
The tower consists of a hexagonal base with Moorish style turrets every corner. On this terrace there is one statue of Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Succès intended to protect sailors. Inside, in the basement, the vaulted room once served as a prison.
♪ upper floors the tower contained the arsenal and private residences. The tower also has a beautiful loggia to Italian with sculpted columns and several balconies with complex sculptures. At the top of the tower there is another terrace, which offers a magnificent view of Belém and the Tage.
The Torre de Belém was entirely surrounded by water, but over the centuries, the Tage fell. A bridge was built allowing access to visitors directly from the shore.
How to get to the Belém Tower in Lisbon?
The Tour de Belém is located in the same name: Belém . Not far is the Hieronymous monastery who also visits.
We can visit the Tour de Belém:
- By bus: With lines 714, 727, 728, 729 and 751
- In tram: With the N°15 from Figueira Square
- By train: Get off at Belém stop from Cais do Sodré
- By car: If you opted for the car rental from the airport or you have come with your own vehicle, know that several paid parking lots are located near the Tour de Belém.
- By ferry: Go down to the Belem River Station, which is a good quarter-hour walk from the Tour de Belém.
Schedules & Rates of the Tour de Belém
HORARI
- From October to May: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5:30pm (last admission at 5pm)
- From May to September: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6:30pm (last admission at 5pm)
Closed : every Monday, December 25, January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st and June 13th
RATES
- Simple entrance (from 12 to 64 years ) : 6 €
- Combined ticket (Tour de Belém + Monastère des Hiéronymites) : 12 €
- Students: 3 €
You will find more information on discounts on the official website of the Tour de Belém .
Good to know: If you have Lisboa Card , the visit to the Tour de Belém is free!
Concerning accessibility , its access is limited to the ground floor for wheelchair visitors. However, the visually impaired will be able to get a little idea of the Tour’s architecture thanks to a touch-screen model located not far from the entrance.
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