Tower of Belém

Most visited monument in Lisbon

Parish of Belém

A national historic monument, Torre de Belém, on the right bank of the Tagus River, is one of the main tourist attractions from Lisbon.
The Torre de Belém (officially Torre São Vicente) was declared World Cultural Heritage by Unesco in 1983.

Postcard from Lisbon and Portugal

The Belem Tower, (together with the Monastery of Jerónimos) , is one of the most visible postcards of Lisbon and Portugal, which is why it is a must-see in the Portuguese capital.


Guia de Lisboa
Belém Tower © Antonio Sacchetti / Images Of Portugal



Old Belém Beach

Where the Tower of Belém currently stands, before its construction there was a beach called Praia de Belém. Nowadays, however, the tower is connected to the mainland.


Medieval tower and bastion

What enchants visitors is its style, which mixes a medieval tower and a bulwark with defensive features. And the Tower of Belém shares these functions: the keep (donjon, in French), which in the Middle Ages was the central element of a castle and the bulwark for defend its geographical position.

Defence of the Tagus Entrance
The Torre de Belém or Torre de São Vicente was part of a set of fortifications with the objective of the defense at the entrance of the Tagus River. There were three defensive fortifications: Torre de São Vicente (or Torre de Belém), from 1514, it was the last of the fortifications erected; the São Sebastião da Caparica Tower, to the south, built in 1481, and the Santo Antônio de Cascais Tower, from 1488, located to the west.

The main function of the Torre de Belém which, as has been said, was the defense of the Barra do Rio Tejo, over time was losing its initial function, being today mainly a tourist monument.


Exterior of the Belém Tower (Detail) © / Cultural Heritage, illustration
Exterior of the Belém Tower (Detail) © / Cultural Heritage, illustration



Manueline treasure

One of the architectural treasures of the reign of King Manuel I, the tower was built between 1514 and 1520, with the function the defense of the Lisbon bar.


Overview of the Tower of Belém

The structure rises on 4 floors (floors), consisting of a Governor's Room, the Room of the Kings, the Audience Room and a Chapel of the 16th century. In addition to the coats of arms of the kings of Portugal, the cross of the Order of Christ also stands out.


Interior da Torre de Belém ©  / Patrimônio Cultural, ilustração
Interior of the Belém Tower © / Cultural Heritage, illustration



In addition to Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 1983, Torre de Belém is also considered one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.


Old Belém Beach

Where the Tower of Belém currently stands, before its construction there was a beach called Praia de Belém. Nowadays, however, the tower is connected to the mainland.


How to get there

The Torre de Belém is located in the Parish of Belém, 8.5 km west of the Sé (Cathedral) of Lisbon. The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the Torre de Belém is by private car. In this mode of transport the route takes about 20 minutes.

By public transport, it is advisable to take one of the following buses: 727, 28, 729, 714 or 751. in about 45 minutes.

If you prefer to use the tram (tram), take tram number 15.

• Official Link: Belém Tower


Lisbon Top Attractions

Monastery of Jeronimos,


Monument to the Discoveries,


São Jorge Castle





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