Facts About Belem Tower

Belém Tower replaced a ship called the Great Nau that used to protect Lisbon. The Great Nau was a large, armed ship stationed in the Tagus River to defend the city from enemy attacks. When King Manuel I decided to build a stronger, permanent defense, construction of Belém Tower began. This new tower, built between 1514 and 1519, was more robust and better suited to guard the city. It served as a lookout point and a fortress, protecting Lisbon from invaders and controlling the entrance to the harbor.

Also Read About: Belem Tower Inside

When it was first built in the early 16th century, the tower was on a small island in the Tagus River, one of the lesser-known facts about Belem Tower. Over the years, the river's course changed, and the shoreline shifted. Now, the tower is much closer to the riverbank and can be easily accessed from the shore. This change in the river's flow means that Belém Tower no longer has an island of its own but is still an impressive and popular historical site in Lisbon.

Must Read: Belem Tower History

Belém Tower was built over five years, from 1514 to 1519, during the reign of King Manuel I. It was designed as a fortress to protect Lisbon and control the entrance to the harbor. The construction was led by architect Francisco de Arruda, who incorporated the Manueline style, featuring intricate carvings and maritime symbols. Originally, the tower stood on a small island in the Tagus River, but over time, the river's course changed, and now the tower is near the shore. 

Among various facts about Belem Tower, its interior consists of four main floors, each serving different purposes. The ground floor was used as a storage area and a prison. Above it, some rooms were used by the garrison, including a chapel and living quarters. The upper floors provided spaces for soldiers to keep watch and defend the tower. At the top, there is a terrace with battlements, offering panoramic views of the Tagus River and the surrounding area. These different levels highlight the tower's role as both a fortress and a living space for its defenders.

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It has another official name: the Tower of St. Vincent, one of the lesser-known Belem Tower facts. This name honors St. Vincent, the patron saint of Lisbon. Built between 1514 and 1519, the tower was originally named after the saint to reflect its importance to the city. Although it is commonly known as Belém Tower today, its official name is still the Tower of St. Vincent. This dual naming highlights the tower's historical and cultural significance in Lisbon, serving both as a defensive structure and a symbol of the city’s heritage.

One of the amazing Belem Tower facts is that it is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. This prestigious designation highlights its cultural and historical importance to the country. Built during the Age of Discoveries between 1514 and 1519, the tower symbolizes Portugal's maritime heritage and strategic defenses. It stands as a significant landmark in Lisbon, attracting tourists from around the world to admire its Manueline architecture and panoramic views of the Tagus River. Being one of Portugal's Seven Wonders underscores the tower's role in preserving national identity.

Also Read: Plan Your Visit to the Belem Tower

Belém Tower showcases the Manueline architectural style. This unique style combines elements of Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish designs, creating a distinctive and ornate appearance. The tower features intricate carvings, including maritime motifs like ropes, knots, and the cross of the Order of Christ, reflecting Portugal's maritime heritage. Built during the Age of Discoveries in the early 16th century, the Manueline style was popularized during King Manuel I's reign. Belém Tower's architecture not only served practical purposes as a fortress and ceremonial gateway but also symbolized Portugal's exploration.

Located within the tower, these underground chambers served to detain prisoners during its historical use as a fortress. Prisoners were kept in these dark and confined spaces, often awaiting trial or serving sentences for various offenses. The dungeons are a reminder of the tower's dual role as both a defensive structure and a place of incarceration during Portugal's maritime history. Today, you can explore these dungeons as part of their tour of Belém Tower, gaining insight into its past as a military stronghold.

These intricate carvings adorn the exterior walls of the tower, depicting exotic animals that were brought to Portugal during the Age of Discoveries. The rhinoceros sculpture is particularly famous, based on a real rhino that arrived in Lisbon from India in 1515. This artistic detail reflects Portugal's exploration of distant lands and the fascination with new species encountered during these voyages. The sculptures on Belém Tower's façade are not only decorative but also serve as historical reminders of Portugal's maritime achievements.