Belém Tower or Torre de Belém is a fortified tower located in the Belém district of Lisbon, Portugal. The construction of this tower dates back to the early 16th century. The architecture of Belem Tower depicted the Portuguese late Gothic style, known as Manueline. This tower marked the commemoration of the expedition of Vasco de Gama. Belem Tower has now become an important monument of the Portuguese capital. Its defensive, yet elegant features reflect the power of Portuguese during the Age of the Great Discoveries. Belem Tower together with Mosteiro dos Jerónimos was declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Belem Tower in Lisbon was built as a fortress to safeguard the entrance to the harbor of the city. The tower has notable historical significant as it was the beginning point for many famous voyages of discovery. Designed by Francisco de Arruda, Torre de Belém is adorned with several stone layouts of the Discoveries. The architect also incorporated Moorish watchtowers and other Moorish motifs. The Venetian-style galleries and a respectable statue of Our Lady of Safe Homecoming were symbols of protection, for the sailors.
Structure of Belem Tower
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The Tower of Belém can be segmented into two parts; the irregular hexagon shaped bastion and the five-story tower, sited on the northern side of bastion. The whole construction resembles a bow of a caravel. The bastion has a domed chamber or the casemate, featuring 17 large-caliber cannons. The open roof made it easier to disperse the fumes and smokes. The bastion platform also stocked light-caliber guns. There are small towers at the corner of the platform with Moorish style cupolas placed above. The tower also houses a statue of Madonna of Belém, holding a child and a bunch of grapes.
The whole tower is adorned with stone twisted ropes, which are tied in form of a knot at the northern facade of the tower. Statues of St Vincent and St Michael along with some arched windows adorn the upper corners of the tower. The tower is 35 meters high and comprises four stories with a terrace overlooking the picturesque landscape.
Belem Tower is located at Avenida da India in Lisbon. Visitors can reach this place by taking the tram route 15. The museum is open from 10AM to 5PM during the months of October to April and from 10AM to 6:30PM during May to September. It remains closed on Mondays.
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