Belém Tower

Belem Tower featuring heritage architecture, a sunset and general coastal views
Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the northern bank of the Tagus River in the Belém district of Lisbon.

In the early 16th Century, this four-storey tower was built on basaltic rocks found by the Tagus River, in close proximity to the riverbank, with the intention of supplementing the existing fortification defences along the sea approach to Lisbon.

The tower was designed by military architect, Francisco de Arruda, and is made from beige coloured limestone. The building is divided into two parts: the bastion and the four-storey tower.

Belém Tower is considered an iconic example of the nautically inspired Portuguese Manueline style, recognisable in the embellishments, such as crosses of the Order of Christ (a symbol of military power), armillary spheres and twisted rope. From the top you can enjoy beautiful views over the Tagus estuary and the Belém district.

The artwork of the Tower includes images and statues of beasts, including a rhinoceros, which is considered to be the first sculpture of such an animal in Western European art. The influence of Moorish architecture is observable in the arched windows and the ribbed cupolas of the watchtowers.

On the balcony there is an image of the Virgin and Child, called the Virgin of Safe Homecoming, holding a child in her right hand and a bunch of grapes in her left. She is believed to provide protection to sailors.

Belém Tower is located at the western end of the Avenida de Brasília and can be reached by train from Cais do Sodré or tram 15.

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and the famous cake factory, Pastéis de Belém, are both close to the tower. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit either when you visit Belém Tower.

Top Trending Hotels Near Belém Tower

Hotel Jerónimos 8
Hotel Jerónimos 8
4 out of 5
Rua Jeronimos, 8, Lisbon, 1400-211
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹10,144 per night from 11 Jun to 12 Jun
₹10,144
per night
11 Jun - 12 Jun
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (409 reviews)
"It is close to the museum district as the monastery is right across the road. I cut my finger trying to get out of the shower the first day as the part of the glass barrier which should move so you can get in and out of the tube was stuck. It became unstuck when I was getting out of the shower. I ..."

Reviewed on 14 May 2023

Hotel Jerónimos 8
Altis Belém Hotel & Spa
Altis Belém Hotel & Spa
5 out of 5
Doca Do Bom Sucesso, Lisbon, 1400-038
The price is ₹21,235 per night from 10 Jun to 11 Jun
₹21,235
per night
10 Jun - 11 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (376 reviews)
"Hotel is within walking distance of Belem Tower. The staff provided suggestions for the area regarding dinner and assisted with any concerns."

Reviewed on 9 Apr 2023

Altis Belém Hotel & Spa
NAU Palacio do Governador
NAU Palacio do Governador
5 out of 5
Rua Bartolomeu Dias, 117, Lisbon, 1400-030
The price is ₹18,184 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
₹18,184
per night
1 Jun - 2 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (357 reviews)
"The staff are lovely. Very helpful and polite. Breakfast was perfect. Lots of choice but would have liked some potatoe options. However, they brought me clear honey and anything else I asked for. A pharmacy across the road and five minutes walk is the famous Belem Tower and lots of shops, Burger ..."

Reviewed on 21 May 2023

NAU Palacio do Governador
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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