Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), located in Belém, was built in 1514 and finished in 1520.
It’s one of Lisbon’s most famous monuments. Initially, it was used to defend the city. Later, it became a lighthouse and, today, an attraction that attracts thousands of tourists every year.
I’ve seen it, and it’s magnificent, but I have some tips to avoid the long queue and to experience both the inside and the outside of the Belém Tower.
But first, some practical things.
Obs.: Belem Tower will be closed for renovations from April 2025 until April 2026, and maybe longer. It will reopen intermittently, but you can still see it from the outside.
But you can still experience many beautiful monuments in Belém:
– Jeronimos Monastery
– Pasteis de Belém
– Monument to the Discoveries
… And many more
Practical Things To Know Before Visiting Belém Tower
A limited number of people are allowed into the tower every 30 minutes or so, so the speed of the queue depends on how many people are leaving the tower.
Once you enter the tower, you can explore many things. Everything is connected by a beautiful spiral staircase that leads to each floor.
Some say it’s not worth going past the 1st floor. I’m afraid I have to disagree. You have to experience everything in the tower.
There are four interior floors, including the beautiful King’s Hall. I like to round it all up with the panoramic views from the upper terrace, which overlooks Belém City and the Tagus River.
Once you’ve seen the inside, you can access the exteriors, bulwark, bulwark terrace, South facade, governor’s chamber, king’s chamber, audience hall, chapel, and tower terrace.
5 Tips for Visiting Belém Tower
- Be there early when it opens, preferably 20 minutes before it opens. If you’re there only 10 minutes before it opens, there will be a queue; that said, you’ll be through it within 20-30 minutes.
- If you want free access to Belém Tower, get a Lisboa Card. Arrive early, go to the kiosk in the garden, and validate it if you haven’t already.
- If you don’t have a Lisboa Card, you can buy your tickets in advance and still get there before they open.
- If you plan to see Jeronimos Monastery next to the Belem Tower, you can buy a combined ticket for €24 ($27).
- The entrance is free if you visit on the first Sunday of the month.
Would you like to see more nearby attractions? Then check out my interactive Lisbon map.
History of Belém Tower
Francisco de Arruda designed the tower between 1515 and 1521, which is why you can see the Moorish influence in its delicate decorations. It embraces the Manueline style, which is evident in its sculptural ornamentation.
In 1580, during the Spanish invasion, it passed to the Duke of Alba. Later, it served as a prison, and its underground cells faced periodic flooding. Some argue its primary role was as an outpost due to its visibility.
Over time, the tower’s surroundings changed, with claims of seismic influence in 1755 altering its proximity to the shore. In the 1840s, under King Ferdinand II and Almeida Garrett’s influence, the tower underwent restoration, incorporating neo-Manueline elements.
Designated as a national monument in 1910, Belém Tower is a testament to Portugal’s historical resilience.
Inside The Belém Tower
As you enter the tower, you’ll pass through a porch decorated with Manueline designs, like the armillary sphere.
Tied in a knot on the north side, stone-carved twisted ropes catch your eye with their intricate details.
Saint Vincent and Saint Michael the Archangel statues, along with elegant arched windows, stand proudly at the top. A Renaissance-style balcony on the first floor’s south side gives the tower a Venetian vibe.
The tower is 35 meters tall and has four floors and a terrace with amazing views. At sea level, you’ll find the old storage area for gunpowder, and a spiral staircase leads you to the upper floors.
The commander once stayed on the first floor, while the chapel on the top floor features symbols like the cross of the order of Christ and the armillary sphere.
The Outside of the Belém Tower
On the west side of Belém Tower, you’ll find a rhinoceros-shaped gargoyle that adds a fun touch to this historic monument.
It’s not just for decoration; it has a cool connection to the exotic animals seen in the 16th century. In 1513, Portugal got its first live rhinoceros, brought from India.
This moment marked an important cultural exchange during the Age of Discoveries.
The gargoyle, carefully carved to look like this fantastic animal, reminds us of the excitement and wonder people felt when these exotic creatures arrived in Portugal.
It captures the spirit of curiosity and adventure of the Renaissance, showing how art, history, and exploration came together.
Tip: Check out my detailed guide on traveling from Lisbon to Belem to plan your trip.
You can expand this section below to see the timeline of the Torre de Belém.
Attractions Near Belém Tower
If you get to the tower while the queue is too long, you can return the next day when the queue is smaller. But your day isn’t ruined as you can explore other parts of Belém.
That said, it doesn’t take all day if you have seen the tower. You can explore some of these attractions afterward.
Belém city (245 meters): Explore the charming surroundings of Belém, just a short walk from the Tower of Belém. The historic district is known for its beautiful streets, cafes, and Pasteis de Belém.
Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon (919 meters): The Monument of the Discoveries is less than a kilometer away. This cultural heritage site pays tribute to Portugal’s Age of Discoveries and features notable figures from that era.
Archaeology Museum (1 kilometer): The Archaeology Museum is within a kilometer of the Tower of Belém. Experience the artifacts and exhibits that unveil Portugal’s rich archaeological heritage.
Tip: If you’re up for exploring Belem, check out my walking tour guide to visit the nearby attractions.
Jerónimos Monastery (1.1 kilometers): Just over a kilometer away, visit the Jerónimos Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a beautiful garden, church, and a ton of history.
Vandelli Botanical Garden: If you like gardens, you need to experience this one. Lisbon has many parks and gardens, but this is one of the most beautiful.
Tip: Another attraction nearby is Belem Palace. The interior and gardens are worth exploring.
How to Get To Belém Tower
There are many ways to get to Belém Tower from central Lisbon. I like to take an Uber, as it often only costs €6-8.
However, there are many options to get there, either by bus, tram or train.
- Buses: 727, 28, 729, 714, and 751
- Tram: 15E from Baixa
- Train: Take Line 19031 to Belém Station
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Wrap-Up
Torre de Belém is a must-see whether it’s your first time in Lisbon. Of course, it’s not a tower you experience repeatedly, but you must experience it.
You can feel all the centuries it’s been through, from the 15th through the 16th century and up to 1910 and today.
Torre de Belém has a beautiful exterior and interior, with four floors filled with history and small monuments.
Get there early before the doors open to avoid the long queue. If you have the Lisboa Card, you get free access. Verify it in the kiosk in the garden right next to the tower.
Once you’ve explored the tower of Belém, you can go on a self-guided walking tour around Belém or try the famous Pasteis de Belém.
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