Point of interest
Torre de Belém
in Lisboa, Portugal
UNESCO World Heritage fort and icon of the Age of Discovery on the Tagus; small inside, so admire the exterior – you can usually skip the queue.
Where it is
On the bank of the Tagus in the western district of Belém, by Praça do Império, a few kilometres from the city centre.
Address: Avenida de Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon
What it is
Built of limestone, the tower is a highlight of Manueline architecture, with maritime stone carvings and Moorish-inspired turrets. You can climb the bastion and four floors and enjoy sweeping views over the river from the terrace. A must-see on any visit to the Belém district.
History
The tower was built between 1514 and 1520 under King Manuel I by the architect Francisco de Arruda as a fortress guarding the entrance to the harbour. It was raised to commemorate Vasco da Gama's voyage to India and stands as a symbol of the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Since 1983 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Jerónimos Monastery.