10 Surprising Facts About Lisbon's Belém Tower
Belém Tower is more than just a beautiful fortress; it's a 500-year-old symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery, packed with fascinating history. Officially named the Tower of Saint Vincent, it was completed in 1519 to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbour. But beyond its defensive purpose, the tower served as a ceremonial gateway for explorers, making it the last sight of home and the first on their return.
1. It was originally built on an island
It may sit near the riverbank today, but Belém Tower was originally constructed on a small island in the Tagus River. The devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake significantly altered the river's course, gradually shifting the shoreline. Over time, the land between the island and the north bank silted up, permanently connecting the tower to the mainland.
2. It features the first European sculpture of a rhinoceros
On the exterior of the western turret, a unique gargoyle depicts a rhinoceros. This is considered the first stone sculpture of a rhino in Western European art. It was inspired by a real rhinoceros gifted to King Manuel I by the Sultan of Gujarat in 1515. The animal, a sensation in Lisbon, was later sent as a gift to Pope Leo X.
3. It is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture
The tower is a prime example of the Manueline style, a uniquely Portuguese form of late Gothic architecture that flourished under King Manuel I. This ornate style celebrates the Age of Discovery with maritime motifs. Look closely and you'll see sculpted ropes, armillary spheres (navigational tools), and crosses of the Order of Christ, which funded many voyages.
4. It has served many different purposes
While built as a fortress, Belém Tower's role has changed dramatically over its 500-year history. After its defensive importance waned, it was used as a customs control point in 1655, a telegraph station in the 19th century, a lighthouse in 1865, and even a political prison. This adaptability has helped ensure its survival through the centuries.
5. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1983, Belém Tower was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, along with the nearby Jerónimos Monastery. UNESCO recognized it for its significance as a symbol of the Age of Discovery and as an architectural masterpiece of the creative genius of its time.
6. It was part of a larger defence system
The tower wasn't a standalone fortress. It was part of a tripartite defence system for the Tagus estuary, conceived by King John II. It worked in tandem with the Fort of São Sebastião da Caparica on the opposite bank and a heavily armed ship, the Grande Nau, to create a formidable crossfire protecting Lisbon from sea-based attacks.
7. The tower has five distinct floors
The interior is not just an empty shell. A narrow spiral staircase connects five levels, each with a specific function. These are, from bottom to top: the Governor's Hall, the Kings' Hall with its elegant loggia, the Audience Hall, the Chapel with its beautiful vaulted ceiling, and finally the Roof Terrace offering panoramic views.
8. Its official name is the Tower of St. Vincent
Though universally known as Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), its official name is the Tower of Saint Vincent (Torre de São Vicente). It was named in honour of the patron saint of Lisbon and to commemorate the 1498 expedition of Vasco da Gama to India, a key moment in Portuguese history.
9. It was named one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal
In 2007, a national public vote was held to determine the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Belém Tower was chosen from a list of 21 finalists, cementing its status as one of the country's most cherished and iconic landmarks, alongside the Jerónimos Monastery.
10. Its dungeons were used as a prison
The lower levels of the tower, including the pits in the ground floor, were used to house prisoners. The casemate, or gun room, on the ground floor later had its dungeons converted into a prison that was in use until the 1830s. Its location at the water's edge meant these cells could flood at high tide, making for a grim place of confinement.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Belém Tower?
Belém Tower is over 500 years old. Construction began in 1514 and was completed in 1519 under the reign of King Manuel I.
What is Belém Tower famous for?
Belém Tower is famous as a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a masterpiece of Manueline architecture. It served as both a fortress and a ceremonial starting point for explorers like Vasco da Gama.
What is inside Belém Tower?
Inside, the tower has five floors connected by a narrow spiral staircase. You can explore the Governor's Hall, the Kings' Hall, the Audience Hall, a Chapel, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views over the Tagus River. The ground floor features a battery with cannon emplacements.
Ready to see this icon of exploration for yourself? You can book tickets to explore the tower's five floors and enjoy the riverside views.