Belém Tower, Lisbon

The fort has guarded the Tagus River since the 16th-century and remains a landmark of Portugese identity.

Under orders from King Joao I, the Belém Tower was built between 1514 and 1519 to defend Lisbon. In the centuries that followed it was transformed into a lighthouse, a prison and a customs centre.

The tower was built from blocks of Lioz limestone which were offcuts from the Jerónimos Monastery; also under construction at the time. The Manueline style incorporates details paying tribute to the Age of Discovery, including stonework motifs, sculptures of historical figures, Arabic style watchtowers, and a unique gargoyle in the shape of a rhinoceros. The tower has five floors which lead to a roof terrace, each storey connected by a narrow spiral staircase.

Alvesgaspar/Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en
Alvesgaspar/Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en
 Diego Delso
 (1974–)  





Alternative names

Poco a poco

Description
Spanish photographer and WikimedianFree-license photographer

Date of birth

19 May 1974 


Location of birth

Alicante
Diego Delso  (1974–)   Alternative names Poco a poco Description Spanish photographer and WikimedianFree-license photographer Date of birth 19 May 1974  Location of birth Alicante
 Spain


Authority control

: Q28147777



creator QS:P170
Spain Authority control : Q28147777 creator QS:P170
Q28147777/Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Q28147777/Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

Opening Hours

Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
10:00 - 17:30
Wednesday:
10:00 - 17:30
Thursday:
10:00 - 17:30
Friday:
10:00 - 17:30
Saturday:
10:00 - 17:30
Sunday:
10:00 - 17:30
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