Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Iconic Lisbon attraction
- A symbol of the Age of Discovery
- Great Manueline architecture
Time required: 60 minutes
Phone: +351 21 362 0034
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| May - Sept, Tue - Sun: | 10am - 6:30pm |
| Oct - Apr, Tue - Sun: | 10am - 5:30pm |
| Monday: | Closed |
| January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1 and Dec. 25: | Closed |
Admission:
| Ticket type | Charge |
|---|---|
| General: | 5 € |
| Under 14: | Free |
| Sundays and holidays until 2pm: | Free |
Public transport:
- Tram Line 15: Largo Da Princesa stop
Address: Av. de Brasília, Belém Lisbon
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: M@rg
Things you need to know:
- Belém Tower is a fortress built in 1515 by King Manuel I to protect the city and its harbor. The tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983
- It is a superb example of Manueline architecture. Elaborate carvings of motifs typical of the style decorate the building: ropes, exotic flowers, animal heads, and crosses
- In 1580, under Spanish control, the fortress was turned into a prison and continued to function as a prison after the Spanish left in 1640. Later it became a custom house
- The nearby red suspension bridge is called April 25th Bridge and connects Lisbon with Almada. It was inaugurated in 1966
- The bridge takes its name after the date of April 25 1974 when Portugues people came out to the street and ended Dictator Salazar's rule in a bloodless revolution
What to do there:
- Admire the white castellated tower from outside
- Enter the building and discover its interior
- Climb the narrow steps to the top of the tower for impressive views over the river Tejo, the bridge April 25, and the Cristo Rei statue
Tips & Insights:
- Free admission with Lisboa Card
- Free admission on Sundays and holidays until 2pm
- It is a very popular site so be prepared for a crowd
- Be cautious when climbing to the top as the steps are very narrow
