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Belem Tower, Guarding the Entrance to Portugal’s Global Empire

Belém, Lisbon, Portugal

Belem Tower in Lisbon at Dusk

Portugal // Castles & Palaces· Lisbon Portugal· UNESCO World Heritage Sites Location: [post_gps_latitude], [post_gps_longitude]

Standing on a small island just off the shore in the Tagos River, Belem Tower (Torre de Belém, in Portuguese) is a remnant from a bygone age when Portugal’s ships ruled the waves. It is one of Portugal’s iconic landmarks, and you’ll see it represented everywhere from t-shirts in the souvenir shops to the ornate stained glass windows at Pena Palace in Sintra.

The tower has surprising decorative flourish–it was, after all, the gateway to the vast Portuguese empire. But its thick limestone bricks are impressively solid, in keeping with its primary purpose. It was part of a defensive net to protect Lisbon Harbor, the hub of Portugal’s trading and naval empire. The tower, above all, served as a fort, lookout, and platform for dozens of heavy-duty cannons pointed out over the Tagus.

It was built during Portugal’s golden age of discovery, from 1514 to 1520. It was a period when Portuguese mariners like Vasco da Gama were mapping the coasts of Africa and India and establishing a decades-long Portuguese monopoly of those trade routes, often with brutal methods.

Photos of Belem Tower

Belem Tower in Lisbon at Dusk

Belem Tower in Lisbon at Dusk

Belem Tower in Lisbon at Night with Model

This 1:50 model sits on the shore nearby and is designed to aid the visually impaired.

Belem Tower in Lisbon at Night with Bridge

Belem Tower in Lisbon at Night with Bridge

Belem Tower in Lisbon at Twilight from Side

Belem Tower in Lisbon at Dusk

I have more photos of Belem Tower here.

What to Know Before You Go

Paired with the Jerónimos Monastery, Belem Tower was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1983. It’s very easy to see from the shore, and when it’s open during the day you can walk the short wooden bridge for a tour.

Where to Next?

  • Models of Fishing Boats at the Museu de Marinha (Maritime Museum) in Lisbon Portugal
    Portugal's Maritime History Museum
  • Chapel of St. John the Baptist in the Igreja de Sao Roque (Church of Saint Roch) in Lisbon Portugal
    Igreja de São Roque, Portugal's Oldest Jesuit Church
  • Eiffel Tower in Paris on a Sunny Spring Day
    The Iron Lady of Paris (The Eiffel Tower)
  • Icons on Display in the Museu de Sao Roque in Lisbon Portugal
    Museu de São Roque
  • Graffiti in Lisbon Portugal
    Lisbon's Graffiti
  • King Jose I in Praca do Comercio in Lisbon Portugal with Full Moon
    Lisbon's Royal Town Square
  • Coats-of-Arms Room (Sala dos Brascoes) at the Palace of Sintra, Sintra Portugal
    Palace of Sintra
  • World War I Exhibit at Military Museum in Lisbon Portugal
    Lisbon’s Military Museum
  • National Pantheon in Lisbon Portugal
    The Luminaries of Portuguese History and Culture


Travel Advice for Portugal

You can find the latest U.S. Department of State travel advisories and information for Portugal (such as entry visa requirements and vaccination requirements) here.

The British and Australian governments offer their own country-specific travel information. You can find the British Government's travel advice for Portugal here and the Australian Government's here.

Health & Vaccinations

The CDC makes country-specific recommendations for vaccinations and health for travelers. You can find their latest information for Portugal here.

David Coleman Photography

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit. Or get in touch here.


Location:
Country: Portugal
Coordinates:
      Latitude:
      Longitude:

      # Castles & Palaces
      # Lisbon Portugal
      # UNESCO World Heritage Sites



About David Coleman

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living.

I’m based in Washington, DC.

You can find my photography gear reviews and tips at havecamerawilltravel.com/photographer.

David Coleman Photography

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit. Or get in touch here.

Licensing & Prints

Looking for travel stock photos or prints? I might be able to help. You can search my collection here:

If you already have a buyer account with Alamy and would prefer to use that, you can search my images directly here.

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Photos by David Coleman. Please contact me for licensing images.
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