The Belem Tower is one of Portugal’s most emblematic monuments. Located at the mouth of the Tagus River, this 16th-century fortress embodies the golden age of Portuguese discovery and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this comprehensive guide, we reveal everything you need to know about visiting the Tower of Belém: its fascinating history, how to get there, prices and our top tips for making the most of your visit.
In the early 16th century, King Manuel I (1495-1521) reigned over Portugal at the height of its power. The expeditions of Vasco da Gama (route to India, 1498) and Pedro Álvares Cabral (discovery of Brazil, 1500) made Portugal the world’s leading maritime power.
Against this backdrop, the Belem Tower was built between 1514 and 1519 under the direction of military architect Francisco de Arruda, who had already worked on forts in North Africa. Its primary mission was threefold:
Protect the entrance to the port of Lisbon from pirate attacks and enemy fleets
Serve as a customs post to control ships entering the capital
Symbolizing Manueline power in the eyes of foreign visitors
The tower combines three innovative architectural functions for its time:
A defensive bastion with 17 cannons pointing towards the river
A watchtower with a panoramic view of the estuary
A lighthouse thanks to its top lantern
Its Manueline style (named after King Manuel I) is characterized by:
✔ Maritime motifs (sculpted ropes, armillary spheres)
✔ Moorish influences (moucharabieh balconies)
✔ Christian symbols (Order of Christ cross)
16th century:
1519: Work completed under the reign of Manuel I
1580: Loses its defensive function during the Iberian Union
17th-18th centuries:
Transformed into a political prison
The dungeons at water level were used as cells.
19th century:
1846: First restoration by writer Almeida Garrett
Becomes a romantic symbol of Portugal’s glorious past
Twentieth and twenty-first centuries:
1983: UNESCO classification with the Hieronymites Monastery
2007: Chosen as one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal
2015: Last major restoration
The tower is packed with symbolic details:
South facade:
A sculpture of the Virgin and Child protecting sailors
The armillary sphere, personal emblem of Manuel I
Main terrace:
Moorish gatehouses with chiselled domes
Watchtowers in the shape of fleurs-de-lis
Interior:
The Governor’s Hall with its elaborate vaulted ceiling
The chapel decorated with Templar crosses
The royal watchtower offering a strategic view
◉ The tower was originally surrounded by water at high tide and accessed by a drawbridge
◉ The cannons never fired a single shot in real life
◉ During the Spanish occupation (1580-1640), it was used as an arms depot
◉ Napoleon considered destroying it during the French invasions (1807-1811).
A national monument par excellence, the Belém Tower appears :
On old 10,000 escudo bills
In the logo for the 1998 World’s Fair
As inspiration for monuments in Brazil and Macao
This white limestone fortress, a silent witness to five centuries of history, continues to captivate some 500,000 visitors every year. Its unique architecture, a blend of defensive function and refined ornamentation, makes it a must-see jewel in Lisbon and an enduring symbol of Portugal’s golden age.
For history buffs: note that each stone tells a part of Portugal’s maritime epic, from conquests in Africa to trade relations with India and Japan. The Belem Tower is not just a monument – it’s an open-air history book.
The Belem Tower is a masterpiece of the Manueline style, recognizable by its :
Sculptures of ropes and crosses from the Order of Christ
Decorative balconies
Dome-shaped turret
Climb to the 4th floor for a breathtaking view of :
The Monument of Discoveries
April 25th Bridge
The Hieronymites Monastery
The tower represents Portugal’s heyday during the Great Discoveries, when explorers like Vasco da Gama set out to conquer new worlds.
📍 Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
📌 Location: On the banks of the Tagus, in the Belém district, 6 km from central Lisbon.
Tramway 15E (from Place du Commerce or Cais do Sodré)
Bus 727, 728, 729 or 751
Train (Cascais line, Belém stop)
Pay parking available nearby.
Avoid peak hours (10am-4pm).
A pleasant 30-minute stroll along the river from the center of Belém.
October to April: 10h-17h30
May to September: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Closed on Mondays
| Type of Ticket + Pass including Belém Tower | From / Price |
|---|---|
| Adult 13-99 years | € 15,00 |
| Children (under 12)Free | Free |
| Combined ticket (Belem Tower + Hieronymites Monastery + Audio) | € 34,00 |
| Combined ticket Lisboa Card +Public transport | € 27,00 |
✅ Online (on the official website, to avoid queues)
✅ On site (but you may have to wait in high season)
Another gem of Manueline architecture, 5 minutes’ walk away.
An imposing sculpture dedicated to the Portuguese explorers.
A unique collection of royal carriages.
Taste the famous Pastéis de Nata in their place of origin!
👉 Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
✅ Yes, but the space is tight (spiral staircase).
🌅 Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
🚫 No, because of the narrow stairs.
The Belém Tower is a must-see when visiting Lisbon. With its fascinating history, unique architecture and breathtaking views, it offers an unforgettable experience.
Pro tip: Visit it early in the morning and combine it with the Hieronymite Monastery for a day full of discoveries!