Postcard From Lisbon's Torre De Belem

Visiting Belém is a must when spending time in Lisbon since it is full of architectural and historical treasures. The Torre de Belém, or Belém Tower, is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site that looks like it was plucked from the past rather than having stood for nearly 500 years. Along with the Jerónimos Monastery and Padrão dos Descobrimentos, it is one of the most sought-after landmarks around Lisbon.

Built in the early 16th century, between 1514 and 1519, it was used as a military fortification meant to protect the coast. It was also the first (or last) welcoming sight from the capital that sailors saw upon arrival (or departure). There were times when the tower’s dungeon was also used as a political prison. Although the original plans were drawn by King João II in the late 1400s, King Manuel I gave the official order to begin building 20 years after the first set of plans. Today visitors can walk up to the tower using a walkway from the esplanade to the rocky side of the Tagus River, but it was originally built on an island off the river’s bank.

The main designer was Portuguese architect Francisco de Arruda, who also worked in the northern Africa, Brazil, and Mozambique in addition to different regions in Portugal. The Moorish hints in his work are believed to have stemmed from his time in northern Africa. The tower was also an important lookout during the Age of Discoveries and in known today as a symbol of that era.

The primary architectural influence comprising the Belém Tower is Manueline, a Portuguese style inspired by the Age of Discoveries. It was also constructed with Gothic symbolism, mainly focused in the towers and statues.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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