Belém Tower: Tickets

Belém Tower Tickets and Information

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• Belém Tower Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038, Lisboa.
• Opening Hours: Monday: Closed. All Other Days: 09:30 - 18:00

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Is Belém Tower worth visiting?

• If you like visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites with great views, definitely!

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What you see when visiting Belém Tower

• The inside and outside of an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Amazing views of the Tagus River

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About Belém Tower

Belém Tower, also sometimes known as the Tower of St. Vincent, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lisbon, Portugal, standing proudly on the northern bank of the Tagus River, where it once served as a defensive fortress and guarded the entrance to the port of Lisbon and the city itself.

It was commissioned by King John II of Portugal in the early 16th century as part of his broader defence strategy to keep the area safe. Construction began in 1514 according to records and it was completed 7 years later in 1521 during the reign of King Manuel I.

Its design is a prime example of Manueline architecture, a style that was unique to Portugal during the late Gothic period. It incorporates elements of maritime symbolism such as rope, anchors and other nautical motifs which all reflect Portugal’s Age of Discovery and maritime prowess from the time. The tower’s façade is adorned with intricate stone carvings and Manueline ornamentation.

Its strategic location at the mouth of the Tagus River gave it control access to the port and allowed it to effectively defend the city. Its tower consists of several levels which include a bastion, watchtowers and battlements, and another distinctive feature is a four-story keep which is topped with a terrace that offers incredible panoramic views of the river as well as the surrounding area.