Belem tower

Built between 1514-1520 during the reign of King Manuel (and the height of the Portuguese Renaissance) by Portuguese architect and sculptor Francisco de Arruda, Belém Tower celebrated the expedition to India of Vasco da Gama, the famous Portuguese explorer. It is considered one of the best examples of the architecture of its time, known as the Manuelino style, but it also includes distinctive Moorish features such as ornately decorated turrets.

The Tower served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers and as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon, as well as being used to defend the city.

(Around 1655, the Tower also functioned as a customs control point and for navigation along the Tagus. Vessels were obliged to pay a tax as they entered the harbour,Read more