Torre de Belém

Lisbon’s most photographed monument is without a doubt the majestic Torre de Belém. Also known as the Tower of Saint Vincent, the fortress tower located on the freguesia of Santa Maria de Belém also holds the status of UNESCO heritage site, and it is also the symbol of Portugal’s great past of exploration and discovery. Commissioned by King João II to be part of the defence system facing the Tagus river and also as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon, the tower was actually built in the 16th century entirely with lioz limestone incorporating hints of several architectural styles but mostly Portuguese Manueline. Built on an island near the Lisbon shore, for many years it has been incorrectly stated that the tower was built in the middle of the Tagus and now sits near the shore because the river was redirected after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. The Belém Tower was added on 7 July 2007 to the registry of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.