BELEM TOWER - LISBON, PORTUGAL

BELEM TOWER

LISBON, PORTUGAL

Belém Tower
Lisbon's icon; a symbol of the Age of Discovery

Built in 1515 as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbor, the Belem Tower was the starting point for many of the voyages of discovery, and for the sailors it was the last sight of their homeland.

It is a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery, often serving as a symbol of the country, and 

UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage monument.

Built in the Manueline style, it incorporates many stonework motifs ofthe Discoveries, sculptures 

depicting historical figures such as St. Vincent and an exotic rhinoceros that inspired Dürer's drawing of the beast.

The architect, Francisco de Arruda, had previously worked on Portuguese fortifications in Morocco, so there are also Moorish-style watchtowers and other Moorish influences. Facing the river are arcaded windows, delicate Venetian-style loggias, and a statue of Our Lady of Safe Homecoming, a symbol of protection for sailors on their voyages.