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Torre de Belem, Lisbon

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Belém Tower (in Portuguese Torre de Belém, or the Tower of St Vincent is a fortified tower located in the Belém district of Lisbon, Portugal. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site (along with the nearby Jerónimos Monastery) because of the significant role it played in the Portuguese maritime discoveries of the era of the Age of Discoveries. The tower was commissioned by King John II to be both part of a defense system at the mouth of the Tagus River and a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon.

The tower was built in the early sixteenth century and is a prominent example of the Portuguese Manueline style, but it also incorporates hints of other architectural styles. The structure was built from lioz limestone and is composed of a bastion and the 30 meter (100 foot), four story tower. It has incorrectly been stated that the tower was built in the middle of the Tagus and now sits near the shore because the river was redirected after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. In fact, the tower was built on a small island in the Tagus River near the Lisbon shore.

Upon seeing Belem Tower for the first time its astonishing to witness how well preserved it is. The tower is an impressive vision and sits on the Lisbon shores in all its well-preserved glory, not far from Alfama. Belem Tower was originally built back in 1515-1521 as a fortress to protect the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor. It had been a starting point for many discovery voyages in hopes of finding new trade routes and for many sailors it was the last sight they saw of their homeland for a long time.

It’s evident that the real artistry of Belem Tower lies in the adornment of the exterior. Ropes are carved out of stone, balconies are of openwork and the watchtowers are designed in distinct Moorish style. Below the terrace lies a Gothic styled interior which at one time stored arms and was also used as a prison. Things to do here include climbing up the tower, which is the most alluring part of Belem Tower, and visiting the private quarter which offers a magnificent panorama of the surrounding shore.

Torre de Belem, as the tower is also known, was designed by an architect by the name of Francisco de Arruda. Before the tower he worked on Portugese style architecture in areas of Morocco. Arcaded windows and ethereal Venetian-style mezzanines faced the river as well as an image of Our Lady of Safe Voyage which was designed to be there as a symbol of protection for sailors off on long journeys.

In the Eastern part of the City, things look decidedly different! This whole part is being rebuilt.

Torre de Belem, Portugal

It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site (along with the nearby Jerónimos Monastery) because of the significant role it played in the Portuguese maritime discoveries of the era of the Age of Discoveries

Torre de Belem, Portugal

Torre de Belem, Portugal

Torre de Belem, Portugal

Portugal - Torre de Belem

Torre de Belem, Portugal

Torre de Belem, Portugal


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