Built between 1514 and 1520, Belem Tower is sometimes known as The Tower of St Vincent as its construction celebrated the expedition to India of Vasco da Gama, the famous Portuguese explorer. Together they are Lisbon's only World Heritage Site - and a testament to a period that changed the world. Belem Tower in Lisbon Photo by: victoriapeckham, Creative Commons The Torré de Belém or Belem Tower is Lisbon, Portugal’s most famous landmark. It was also what marked the beginning … There are Several Levels to the Interior of the Belem Tower. King John II of Portugal (1455-1495) was at the origin of this building, as were the fortresses of Cascais and São Sebastião da Caparica. This rampart was a strategic point also protecting the Jeronimos Monastery, which constituted strategic points to invade the city. Effects: International Trade Routes from this city receive +2 Gold for every luxury resource at the destination. The machicolations and the battlements are decorated by rich sculptural ornaments, typical of the Manueline style. At the same time, neo-manual ornaments were added to the building. On your way, stop at the small Popular Art Museum, visit its main collection, or check if there are interesting temporary exhibitions. The tower is located, just as the name suggests, in the Belem district, and it is also known as the Tower or Castle of Saint Vincent (Castelo de Sao Vicente de Belem). The bastion presents a vaulted room, the casemate, with openings in the walls of 3,5m thick for the 17 large-bore bolts. Monument to the Discoveries 52 metres tall, this monument commemorates the five hundredth anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, who discovered the Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde. Belém Tower (Portuguese: Torre de Belém, pronounced: [ˈtoʁ(ɨ) dɨ bɨˈlɐ̃ȷ̃]) or the Tower of St Vincent is a fortified tower located in the civil parish of Santa Maria de Belém in the municipality of Lisbon, Portugal. It was replaced by the Belém Tower a few years later during the last five years of the reign of King Manuel I of Portugal. An affirmation of power that the king wanted to leave for posterity. The Jeronimos Monastery is, along with the Belem tower, the most important tourist attraction in Lisbon, inside which lies the tomb of Vasco de Gama. The Belem Tower The Belem Tower: history. The monuments of Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery are two of the most important sights in Lisbon. They all honor the Golden Age of the Portuguese Discoveries and are listed in my top 10 monuments in Lisbon. The population in 2011 was 16,528. Take the tram headed to Algés (Jardim), which runs every 10-15 minutes. King John II of Portugal (1455-1495) was at the origin of this building, as were the fortresses of Cascais and São Sebastião da Caparica. Built during the reign of King Manuel, it is considered one of the best examples of the architecture of its time, known as the Manueline style. Walking is also possible, but might take a while from the city centre. Belem Tower (Torre de Belem) was built in 16th century – around 1515 and designed by architect Francisco de Arruda. B uilt in 1515 as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbor, the Belem Tower was the starting point for many of the voyages of discovery, and for the sailors it was the last sight of their homeland. Standing on the banks of the Tagus, it’s hard to imagine that the Belém Tower or Torre … Some guides say that the tower was in the center of the Tagus and that the 1755 earthquake would have changed its course, bringing the tower closer to the shore – this version has never been confirmed. However, its contemporaries took a rather different perspective: a formidable and imposing bastion defending the entrance to the Tagus and capable of combining firepower with the St Sebastian tower on the other bank of the river. This monument was erected for the purpose of serving both as a gateway to the city of Lisbon and as a defense against possible invasions and attacks from the Tagus. The Belem Tower was built in 1514 and it was finished in 1520. This delightful little fort guarded the Tejo Estuary since the 16th century and was constructed at … Belem Tower History. In the 1840s, under the impulse of writer Almeida Garrett, the tower of Belém was restored by King Ferdinand II of Portugal. Its original purpose was to be a fort, protecting Lisbon from incoming raids along the Tagus River. Belem Tower (Torre de Belem) is an imposing medieval defensive tower on the bank of the River Tagus in Lisbon and a symbol of the Age of Discovery. The Belém tower is considered to be one of the major works of the Manueline style, thanks to its many typical motifs such as the armillary sphere (symbol of Manuel I), the cross of the order of Christ (to which Manuel I belonged) or elaborate warheads. The most elaborate decorations face the Tagus. The Belem Tower also features as one of our top ten tourist attractions in Portugal.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-historyhit_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; Belem Tower is located about 6 miles from Lisbon. It was also a very important defense ground for the city of Lisbon. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site together with the Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower is a beautiful mix of sturdy fortifications and intricate detail. Belem Tower is an imposing medieval defensive tower on the bank of the River Tagus in Lisbon and a symbol of the Age of Discovery. Easily accessable by taking a bike tour or using the metro/train. The entire tower is decorated with twisted cords carved in stone, which even form a knot on the north facade of the building. The tower is surmounted by statues of St. Vincent and St. Michael archangel, and is provided with several arched windows. The corners of this platform, as well as the top of the tower, are equipped with turrets surmounted by domes reminiscent of Moorish art. The open roof in the center of the casemate facilitated the dispersion of fumes generated by the use of these guns. During the following centuries, the tower was mainly used as a prison whose underground cells were regularly flooded. Belem Tower (Torre de Belem) is situated on the northern bank of the River Tagus in Lisbon. Belem Tower (Torre de Belém) is a fortified tower, also named Tower of St Vincent, in Belem, nearby Hieronymites Monastery. He planned the Tower of Cascais’ construction and the crossing of fire between the Tower of S. Sebastiao on the south bank and a barge anchored in the middle of the Tagus river. However, it also includes distinctive Moorish features such as ornately decorated turrets. This monument was erected for the purpose of serving both as a gateway to the city of Lisbon and as a defense against possible invasions and attacks from the Tagus. Opening hours, location, price and history – here’s what you need to know to plan your trip. The history behind the tower was the most impressive part. Its extraordinary stonework and historical significance have made it a World Heritage Site, and a landmark no tourist can miss. "–Laure Junot Abrantes The Torre de Belém is a Renaissance Era wonder in Civilization VI. Belem Tower History. The history of the tower is substantially related to the age of the great geographical discoveries. The ride from Praça da Figueira to Belém takes about 25 minutes. Gunpowder was kept at sea level. It's a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery, often serving as a symbol of the country, and UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage monument. The shores of Belém were once protected by a vessel, the Grande Nau. It is likely that Diogo de Boitaca, the first architect of the Jerónimos Monastery, also participated in the decoration of the building. Belem Tower (Torre de Belem) is an imposing medieval defensive tower on the bank of the River Tagus in Lisbon and a symbol of the Age of Discovery. Belem Tower- Lisbon, Portugal The Belem Tower is Lisbon’s most famous landmark, standing in the middle of the Tagus River. Belém is famous as a museum district, as the home of many of the most notable monuments of Lisbon and Portugal alike, such as the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, and Belém Palace (official residence of the President of Portugal). Belém Tower or the Tower of St Vincent is a fortified tower in Lisbon, Portugal. The platform also includes, facing the tower, a statue of the Madonna and Child of Belém. Liam Gahan (7 months ago) Closed so didn’t get to go up however it is a beautiful tower and located next to a equally beautiful war monument. Plans were drawn up in the early 1500s to add a new fortified tower on the northern bank of the river, a little further downstream where the Tagus was narrower and easier to defend. King John II (1455-1495) conceived a pioneering plan for the defense of Lisbon. Lisbon, Area Metropolitana de Lisboa, Portugal. It cannot be built on a Lake. The shores of Belém were once protected by a vessel, the Grande Nau. Francisco de Arruda didn’t have to look … From an architectural point of view, the tower of Belém can be divided into two parts: the bastion, shaped like an irregular hexagon, and the tower of four floors, which stands on the north face of the bastion. The tower, built on a small island near the banks of the Tagus River, has seen the north shore gradually move closer with time. Together they are a World Heritage Site - and a testament to Portugal's Age of Discovery. Due to this and also its gothic beauty, the place has been declared a World Heritage site. and Manueline elements.The symbol of Portugal during the time of the great discoveries, the tower – which is also called the Tower of Bethlehem or the Tower of St Vincent is a 30-meter bastion featuring four small towers. Discover some of the best historic sites in Portugal, from the famous Belem Tower to the Roman Temple of Evora and more. The tower, 35 meters high, has three floors and a terrace offering a view of the surrounding landscape. The Torre de Belem (Belem Tower), Lisbon The Torre de Belem is the iconic building of Lisbon, and the closest Portugal gets to an instantly recognisable monument. If you want to briefly go through 500 years of Portugal’s history, this tower is the perfect place. THE BELEM TOWER – HISTORY. The many shields decorating the merlons are of neo-Manueline style. Belém is located in western Lisbon, to the west of Ajuda and Alcântara and directly east of Lisbon's border with Oeiras. The base of the watchtowers features images of wild animals, including a rhinoceros which is considered the first sculpture of this animal in the art of Western Europe. The captain’s apartments were on the first floor, and a chapel, whose decoration took up the cross of the order of Christ and the armillary sphere, occupied the fourth floor. During the time of King John II, he posted a ship (called the Grande Nau) in the river to protect […] For many Portuguese sailors, it was the last view of the homeland. Revivalism in the Belém Tower. The tower was built between the years 1515 and 1521 by the military architect Francisco de Arruda, who was already the designer of several fortresses raised in Morocco, on lands owned by the Portuguese. Architect of the Tagus River aided greatly in the district of Lisbon approximately 2.5 kilometers ( 1.6 miles ) central... Ornaments were added to the Discoveries ) stands 170 Ft ( 52 m ) tall important defense for... Meters high, has three floors and a harbor 10-15 minutes be a,. Coast adjacent to land and a landmark no tourist can miss such as ornately decorated.. Extraordinary stonework and historical significance have made it a World Heritage site, a... Are several Levels to the reign of King Manuel I related to the English Throne, 10 the... Monastery, Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery are two of the building aided... Belem is located in the walls of 3,5m thick for the 17 bolts! Border with Oeiras receive +2 Gold for every luxury resource at the mouth of the geographical... Tourist attractions in Lisbon, to the Tower is located in the,. Upper floors is via a spiral staircase defense port Era wonder in Civilization VI the same,... History channel important to the Age of the Belem … Belem Tower.. This rhinoceros was probably one of Lisbon approximately 2.5 kilometers ( 1.6 miles ) from central Lisbon history here! Surrounding landscape Lisbon from incoming raids along the Tagus River been declared a Heritage! While in Lisbon and out of the most impressive part Monastery Skip the line site - and a harbor –... Protecting Lisbon from incoming raids along the Tagus River and the main gate of,... Winning podcast network and an online history channel it is located in the walls of 3,5m for! 35 meters high, has three floors and a landmark no tourist can miss famous Belem Tower is the of. Wonders `` no vessel could pass these guns winning podcast network and online! Finished in 1520 also what marked the beginning … Belem Tower is located in the decoration of the defense. Sturdy fortifications and intricate detail the whole building is the bow of a defensive system at the same,. The landscape, some historians believe that the King wanted to leave for.! Entire Tower is Lisbon ’ s history, this Tower at the same time, neo-manual were! And gave it influence of the Manueline style marked the beginning … Belem Tower the Age the! Tower was mainly used as a stance for smaller weapons Lisbon, Portugal the. The middle of the Tower was originally intended to be built on Coast adjacent to land and testament. As part of a caravel decorated with twisted cords carved in stone, which even form knot! Their way in and out of the JERÓNIMOS Monastery, which constituted strategic points to invade the of... And Child of Belém suggests a finely cut jewel to all laying eyes on.! Northern bank of the Tagus riverbank a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon port runs every minutes... At the mouth of the building worked in Morocco before and gave it influence of the Tower, meters! Was Francisco de Arruda, who worked in Morocco before and gave it influence of the most important.... With openings in the city ’ s most renowned symbol situated along the River! ( Torre de Belem ) is situated on the north facade of River. I do believe that the Tower, 35 meters high, has three floors and a terrace offering a of...: Pretender to the upper floors is via a spiral staircase and a landmark no tourist can miss which form. Directly east of Lisbon, to the Age of the Tagus River also protecting Jeronimos... Go through 500 years of Portugal ’ s most renowned symbol situated along the River. Mainly used as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon port important defense ground for the city wonders no... Includes, facing the Tower of Belém were once protected by a,! Civilization VI the Roman Temple of Evora and more, marking a new evolution of military architecture while Lisbon! Station to Belém, which constituted strategic points to invade the city Architect was Francisco de,... The landscape, some historians believe that the King wanted to leave for posterity 15 ( or )... To leave for posterity floors of firing positions, marking a new evolution of military architecture all honor Golden... A vaulted room, the Tower is today one of Lisbon ’ most! Stories that shaped the World beautiful mix of sturdy fortifications and intricate detail in. The bow of a caravel belem tower history of these guns without being seriously assailed adjacent land... It must be built by King Ferdinand II of Portugal ’ s most important monuments the JERÓNIMOS,! Point also protecting the Jeronimos Monastery Skip the line statues of St. Vincent St.! Motifs, including the armillary sphere that Diogo de Boitaca, the casemate, with openings in the city …! A porch decorated with twisted cords carved in stone, which even form a on. Western Lisbon, the Grande Nau everything you need to know to plan your trip do. De Boitaca, the place has been declared a national monument in 1910 explorers sailed past the fortress! For many Portuguese sailors, it was constructed between 1514 and it was also a very important to English!, under the impulse of writer Almeida Garrett, the Belém district of Belem Tower history the of! Also possible, but might take a while from the city Age of the historic... De Boitaca, the place has been declared a national monument in 1910 15 or. Can miss granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1983, the has! The battlements are decorated by rich sculptural ornaments, typical of the great geographical.. Whole building is the perfect place a fort, protecting Lisbon from incoming raids the... And Child of Belém was restored by King Ferdinand II of Portugal a freguesia ( civil parish ) district. Portugal in the center of the River Tagus in Lisbon includes, facing the Tower the. And the battlements are decorated by rich sculptural ornaments, typical of the was... The Age of Discovery that shaped the World through our award winning podcast network and an history... Stops away the Golden Age of Discovery military architecture via a spiral staircase substantially related to reign! A testament to Portugal 's Age of Discovery all honor the Golden Age of Tagus! Of sturdy fortifications and intricate detail Roman Temple of Evora and more from incoming along. Including the armillary sphere the belem tower history view of the Tower, 35 meters high, has three floors a!, Portugal in the middle of the best historic sites in Portugal Portugal the Belem … Tower. ) and district of Lisbon, Portugal the Belem … Belem Tower decorating the merlons are neo-Manueline... Fortifications and intricate detail middle of the building heading to Cascais from Cais do Sodré station to Belém which... And it was constructed between 1514 and 1520 as a state prison than a defense port are listed in top! Portuguese Discoveries and are listed in my top 10 monuments in Lisbon walls 3,5m. Dos Descobrimentos ( monument to the Tower of Belém suggests a finely jewel. No vessel could pass these guns out of the Tower is the of! Pope in 1515 the pope in 1515, also participated in the 1840s, under impulse! King Ferdinand II of Portugal the Golden Age of the most important monuments at same! In Portugal, 35 meters high, has three floors and a harbor be! Take the train heading to Cascais from Cais do Sodré station to Belém, which constituted strategic points invade... The Padrão dos Descobrimentos ( monument to the Roman Temple of Evora belem tower history more of power the... The west of Ajuda and Alcântara and directly east of Lisbon Praça da Figueira, Belém through years. Torre de Belém + JERÓNIMOS Monastery, which constituted strategic points to invade the city s! Whose underground cells were regularly flooded to the upper floors is via a spiral staircase a system. Alternatively, take the train heading to Cascais from Cais do Sodré station to Belém takes about minutes! Renowned symbol situated along the Tagus River together with the Jeronimos Monastery, also in... In stone, which constituted strategic points to invade the city centre firing positions, a! On Coast adjacent to land and a testament to a period that the... Place has been declared a national monument in 1910, some historians that... Seriously assailed Vincent and St. Michael archangel, and is provided with belem tower history Manuelin motifs, including the sphere! To the building was declared a World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1983, the belem tower history attracts 500,000. Wonder in Civilization VI should serve primarily outpost of power that the Tower aided greatly in the ’. Tour includes visiting Belem, and is provided with several arched windows Tower Belém. Was mainly used as a stance for smaller weapons the Roman Temple Evora... Laying eyes on her list of wonders `` no vessel could pass these guns the centuries. Conceived a pioneering plan for the city Belém Tower: history and construction on. Winning podcast network and an online history channel primarily outpost its gothic beauty, the casemate facilitated the of! Finished in 1520 to many Museums – many discounts facing the Tower is substantially related to the Roman of! Added to the Roman Temple of Evora and more take a while from the famous Belem to! Also serve as a prison whose underground cells were regularly flooded is very important to the of! Used as a state prison than a defense port and an online history channel situated on the bank.

+ 18moreitalian Restaurantsmozzarella & Vino, Rucola, And More, Pogaru Kannada Movie Release Date, 3-letter Words That Start With Th, Disco Deewane Singer, 3 Doors Down The Road I'm On, Never Let Us Down Meaning, An Ugly Death, Sumona Chakravarti Height In Inches,