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Belém Tower, Lisbon

4.2

#3 of 7,300 in Things to do in Portugal

Landmark Tourist Spot Must See

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A World Heritage Site, Belém Tower played an important role in Portuguese exploration during the Age of Discoveries. View the native beige-white limestone used in this Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style. King John II commissioned a defense system to be built at the end of the 15th century. The tower was not built until later, under King Manuel I, and was finally completed in 1519. Though the tower has seen many changes and additions to its original structure, it is still most famous for its beautiful 15th century architecture. As you explore, you'll discover the historical value of this site, which served as a defense at the mouth of the Tagus river and as a prison to many over several centuries. With our custom trip planner, Lisbon attractions like Belém Tower can be center stage of your vacation plans, and you can find out about other attractions like it, unlike it, near it, and miles away.

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Belém Tower Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

36,717 reviews

Google

4.5

facebook

4.7

593 likes

• By Олександр П

  This is Iconic place of medieval period of Portugal. Tower was protect entrance to Tegu river from ocean And guarded the Lisboa. It equipped by old guns. Narrow steps are special and link top and...  more »

• By TogetherTour

  A five-story defensive fortress is a beautiful building in Portugal's glorious era. With the development of the times, Belem Tower has been used for different purposes, and once defended the port on.....  more »

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Google

• By Paul Lemle

  This is a reasonably priced attraction and it has really nice views/photo opportunities of the river and waterfront. It's a VERY tough climb for anyone who will have trouble on stairs, though. Well regulated up/down system of red and green lights makes the stair traffic manageable. Video about the tower was out on the day we visited, otherwise it was great.

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• By Kwan Mo Yoo

  A must see place. Very worth visiting. Nice experience inside touring. This is a beautiful architecture with many photo opportunities. There could be waiting for entrance since there is a limit to the maximum number of visitors at a time. I recommend this place to visit first if you also plan to visit nearby attractions since it is located furthest from the center of the city otherwise you will have to make trips back and forth.

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