The Tower of Belem

( L I S B O N )

The Tower of Belem is the sentinel over the Tagus river that protects the entrance into Lisbon; a city that has always been the object of much covetousness...

Built between 1514 and 1520 under the supervision of the architect Francisco da Arruda, the tower Sao Vincente de Belem was the essential part of the defense complex built to protect the mouth of the Tagus river. Even today, its forms evoke the traditional...

dungeons of medieval castles. This very singular Manueline style building went through many architectural changes due to the development of artillery, and it presents certain structural aspects of modern bastions.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the building is admired by tourists from around the world, whether from the banks of the river, or on the river itself, on one of the boat tours of Lisbon. From a historical point of view, the building is very important and allows one to get a grasp the historical importance of this country.