Torre de Belém
- Address: Avenida de Brasilia 1400-598
- Tags: What to see Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Telephone: 213620034
- Website: http://www.visitlisboa.com/Conteudos/Entidades/Monumentos/TORRE-DE-BELEM.aspx
City icon
Belém Tower (or Torre de Belém, in portuguese) is probably the most famous and important monument of Portugal. It used to be a military defense construction to protect the Tejo river and it also represents a simbol for portuguese nation, as it reminds the great navigations during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Once you visit the place you can experience all this history as you see the Tejo meeting the sea from the top of the tower. Inside its chambers, you can see the portuguese royal family crests sculpted in the building's walls.
Also, the Tower has three floors, each of them called after an important figure of portuguese kingdom: The King, The Governor and The Audience.
The tower is located in a beach in Belém district, but it is said that it was once completely surrounded by water, and the only way to get there was by boat. I'm glad it's more acessible nowadays, even though climbing the steps can be a little complicated.
Tips and expectations
Due to all this history and fame I expected a much bigger building than it really is. Also, I didn't think there would be so many tourists - if you don't buy your tickets before, you may face a big line. My tip is to get there really early in the morning and buy tickets for both Mosteiro dos Jerônimos and the Tower (6 euros for students).
Photo gallery
Content available in other languages
- Español: El símbolo de la ciudad
Rate and comment about this place!
Do you know Torre de Belém? Share your opinion about this place.