Torre de Belém, Belem Tower

The Torre de Belém (Tower of Belem) is the tourist icon of Lisbon, with it’s image adorned to visitor paraphernalia and trinkets but the small fortification is rightly revered as the most charming building of Lisbon. The white stone Torre de Belém, which once stood in the centre of the River Tejo, contains North African Moorish styled watchtowers, shield shaped battlements and the first European stone carving of a Rhinoceros. This combine with the great location, on the edge of the pretty Belem district and the cooling Tejo Estuary makes the Torre de Belém a first-rate tourist attraction of Lisbon.

The Tower of Belem was constructed as part of a line of defences to protect Lisbon’s early harbour and the Torre de Belem was positioned in the middle of the River Tejo on a small outcrop of rocks which also proved to be hazardous to shipping.

The Torre de Belém, which was completed in 1521, was much more than a defensive position for the sailors who crossed the Atlantic or rounded the Cape of Good Hope to India; the Tower of Belem was the first sign of home and became a symbolic icon for the intrepid explorers or forced crew.

The slow flow of the River Tejo combined with tectonic movements (such as the 1755 earthquake) have narrowed the mouth of the Tejo so that now the Tower of Belem lies on the edge of Belem's green parks. The fort is known affectionately by Lisbon’s residence as the Torre de Belém but the towers official name is the Torre de São Vicente.

Tourist Information

The Torre de Belém is in the western district of Belem approximately 2.5km from the historic centre of Lisbon but is connected by good public transport and the tram network. The Torre de Belém is actually best viewed from the banks of the river Tejo which surround two sides of the fort as much of the fine stone detail is on the exterior and visiting the interior does not offer much to a visitor. Inside the lower floors of the old prison are a little sparse, the towers contain better stone carving and there is Europe’s first stone carving of a Rhinoceros.

The watch tower offers good views over the Belem district and the River Tejo. The spiral stair wells are particularly narrow and are not designed for less mobile visitors. The adult entrance fee for the Torre de Belém is €5, free on Sundays (but busy) and there is a combined ticket with Jerónimos Monastery for €10. The opening times are 10am - 6.30pm (Summer Months) and 10am - 5.30pm (Winter Months) Continue to read about the history of the Torre de Belém.