02/10/2026
Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) is one of the most famous monuments in Portugal. It stands on the bank of the Tagus River in the Belém district of Lisbon. The tower was built between 1514 and 1519 to defend the entrance to the port of Lisbon. At that time, Portuguese sailors were exploring the world, and ships left from Belém on long voyages to Africa, India and Brazil. For this reason, the tower became a symbol of the Age of Discoveries. It is built in the Manueline style, with rich stone decoration. Together with the nearby Jerónimos Monastery, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
What to See
From outside, the tower looks like a small castle standing in the water, with towers, balconies and carved stone details. Look for the ropes, knots and crosses carved in stone, and for a small stone rhinoceros head, one of the first images of a rhinoceros in Europe. Inside, you can visit the old gun room at the bottom, where cannons once pointed at the river, and then climb a narrow spiral staircase through several floors. From the top terrace there are wide views over the river, the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Belém waterfront. The tower reopened in May 2026 after a long restoration.
How to Get There and Practical Information
Belém is about 6 kilometres west of the centre of Lisbon. You can get there by tram 15, by bus or by train from Cais do Sodré station. The tower is a short walk from the Jerónimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries. There is an entrance fee, and the tower is closed on Mondays. The staircase inside is narrow, so the number of visitors at one time is limited and there can be queues. Come early in the day and combine your visit with the other sights of Belém and a famous custard tart, the pastéis de Belém.
Weather in location: Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), Lisbon, Portugal
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