The Coolest Fortresses You Can Visit With Culture Trip

Belem Tower quite literally sticks out from the Lisbon riverfront like a sore thumb, pointing up and keeping watch over the waterways of the Tagus River since 1519. Defence systems set up on the mouth of the river were crucial, particularly as a nation whose power largely came from its nautical prowess. Today it’s the city’s most popular tourist attraction, and a beautifully preserved example of Portuguese late gothic, or Manueline, architecture. Heavy nautical and Christian influences paint a vivid picture of the country’s history, while the tower’s bulky structure still feels intimidating to this day. Fortunately, canon-fire has eased, and the only thing you need to watch out for these days is clumsy selfie-stick wielding tourists. Get ready to dodge, weave and take a few selfies yourself on day six of our Portugal trip.