The Manueline Belem Tower is a building with a primary military purpose located in the western suburbs of Lisbon. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Thus, this is the second object from Lisbon that has been entered on this list. In 2007, Torre de Belém was included in the list of 7 wonders of Portugal. Visiting the tower you can see 17 shooting holes, shooting deck, former prison, governor's room, chapel, king's room and terrace. There is also a gift shop. It is built in an exceptionally decorative classic Manueline style, it is additionally crowned with numerous carved turrets.
The construction of the tower began in 1515 on the orders of King Manuel I. It was to supply the system of strengthening the protection of the Tagus estuary, which was to protect Portugal from the attack from the Atlantic Ocean. The works ended in 1519. The structure was created according to the design of Francisco de Arruda. The building material used was a local limestone variety called lioz. Over the centuries, the tower served as barracks, a port toll station, a lighthouse, and a prison. In the years 1997–1998 the building underwent conservation and reconstruction works.
Attractions inside
