Belem Tower was built on a basalt island located close to the right bank of the Tagus

Belem Tower was built in 1514 under the supervision of the architect Francisco de Arruda during the reign of King Manuel I; it was an integral part of the sea defences devised by his predecessor, King Joao II.

By 1520, it was complete, and ever since then it has remained for posterity as one of the world's most beautiful examples of military architecture. Its harmonious and distinctive shape is sharply outlined against the sky and the water of the River Tagus. It was, however, seen differently by those living at the time of its construction, for which the tower was a formidable and fearsome defensive fortress at the entrance to the river estuary, which was the function that it’s founder King Manuel I had intended for it.

Belem tower was built on a basalt island located close to the right bank of the Tagus, opposite the beach at Restelo and was an essential part of the defensive system for the mouth of the River Tagus, providing crossfire with the fortress of São Sebastião da Caparica on the south bank. It consists of a quadrangular tower reminiscent of the keeps of mediaeval castles and a polygonal bastion.

The sentry posts on each corner of the bastion are crowned by melon domes, denoting the influence of the style that was used in fortifications in Morocco.

Apart from these oriental features, the predominant decoration used in Belem tower is Manueline, as seen in the stone rope that encircles it, the heraldic motifs and even the famous rhinoceros, the first sculpted stone representation of this animal in Europe.

Belem tower's most decorative side is the one facing south. Along this runs the loggia, with its finely carved limestone balustrade. Above the loggia are the shield of King Manuel I and the armillary spheres. On the wall of the small cloister built into the terrace of the bastion is an 18th century statue of the Virgin and Child, Our Lady of Safe Homecoming, crowned by a canopy.

Photos for slideshow courtesy of www.fotoelias.com

Tourist information

Address: Avenida de Brasilia; Telephone: 21 362 0034; Website: www.mosteirojeronimos.pt/english/index_torre.html; Transport: Bus 27, 28, 29, 43, 49 or 51; tram 15; Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (October to April), 10am to 6.30pm (May to September); Admission: €3

  

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