Belem Tower, Lisbon

Belem Tower, Lisbon

The Belém Tower, also known as the Tower of St Vincent to honor Lisbon's patron saint, is a fortified tower that guards the entrance to the Lisbon Harbour.

The Belém Tower, also known as the Tower of St Vincent to honor Lisbon's patron saint, is a fortified tower that guards the entrance to the Lisbon Harbour. Commissioned by King Manuel I and completed in 1515, it was originally built on an island in the Tejo River that has since merged with the mainland. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for standing as a testament to the Golden Age of the Discovery and the "pioneer role the Portuguese had in the 15th and 16th centuries in creating contacts, dialogue and interchange among different cultures".

The Late-Gothic Manueline style tower designed by Francisco de Arruda incorporates Moorish and Oriental elements in its limestone edifice. It has 2 parts – an irregular hexagonal bulwark, and a 4 storey square tower to the north. The drawbridge leading to the bulwark is decorated with plant motifs and the royal coat of arms, with the entrance flanked by small columns with armillary spheres which are a symbol of Portugal's nautical explorations. The carved twisted ropes at various places around the façade are also a representation of nautical heritage. At the base of one of the turrets is the first-ever European sculpture of a rhinoceros. The bulwark has 2 levels which facilitate long-range cannon firing as well as ricochet shots over the water. The artillery is positioned at 17 cannon holes arranged around a central open patio surrounded by Gothic arches. The ancillary storerooms were originally used for provisions, and later used as dungeons.

The first floor of the Moorish-style tower has a water cistern in the Governor's Room that stored rainwater. The second floor has the King's Room, with a Venetian Renaissance style loggia offering great views of the water, and machicolation for shooting projectiles. The northeast and northwest corners have statues of Saint Vincent of Saragossa and the Archangel Michael in niches. The top floor has a chapel, and striking stone fireplace with a mantelpiece decorated with half spheres. It is surrounded by a balcony with shields of the Order of Christ. The terrace above is edged with battlements, and offers incredible views over the estuary and Belem.