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Belém Tower (Mindelo)

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) in Mindelo is a distinctive replica of the famous tower of the same name in Lisbon, standing proudly on the waterfront of São Vicente island. Built between 1918 and 1921, it was intended as a symbol of the deep historical and cultural ties between Cape Verde and Portugal. Although smaller than the original, it faithfully replicates the Manueline style elements, including ornate stonework and crenellations. The construction was part of an urban project to beautify the Porto Grande harbor area during a period of economic growth. Over the years, the tower has housed various institutions, such as the port authority and later the National Museum of Handicrafts and Design. Today, the Torre de Belém remains one of Mindelo's most photographed sites and a lasting testament to early 20th-century colonial aesthetics.

Location: Cape Verde
Top sights: Fortim D'El Rei · Manuel d'Novas · Gago Coutinho e Sacadura Cabral
Nearby: Salamansa (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar–May.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	21	21	21	22	22	23	24	26	26	26	24	23
Rain mm	41	37	19	14	7	7	9	28	46	27	37	50

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Belém Tower replica in Mindelo stands right on the waterfront promenade and is freely accessible at any time. The structure can be viewed from the outside, entry inside is usually not possible as it is an open-air monument.

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Typical hours

As the tower is in public space, there are no opening hours - it can be visited 24 hours a day. The best time to visit is at sunset when the lighting is most beautiful.

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Photography

Photographing the tower is allowed at any time and very popular for souvenir shots right by the water. A particularly popular frame is the tower's silhouette against the evening sky.

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Time needed

A short visit to the tower lasts about 10-15 minutes, including photos. If you walk along the entire waterfront promenade and enjoy the view, allow 30-45 minutes.

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Combine with

The tower is at the beginning of Mindelo's waterfront promenade, just a few minutes' walk from the historic center. Combine your visit with a stroll through the colorful streets and the harbor.

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Getting there

The tower is on Avenida Marginal in Mindelo, right on the waterfront. It is reachable on foot from the city center in about ten minutes, or by taxi.

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Insider tip

Visit the tower in the evening when the city lights reflect on the water - a very romantic sight. Nearby there are several small bars where you can enjoy a drink.

Geography

Coordinates

16.89100, -24.99200

Facts

Built between 1918 and 1921 along the shoreline.
A scaled-down replica of the original tower in Lisbon.
Frequently houses maritime and handicraft exhibitions.
Constructed in the ornate Manueline architectural style.
Originally served as the port authority's office.
A major symbol of the city of Mindelo.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mindelo Kids Leisure Center<1 km · EExplore →

Frescomar Fish Canning Factory2 km · SWExplore →

Lazareto Industrial Zone3 km · SExplore →

Monte Cara4 km · SExplore →

Selada do Flamengo Wind Farm5 km · NWExplore →

Salamansa7 km · NExplore →

Monte Verde7 km · NExplore →

Baia das Gatas9 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Belém Tower (Mindelo) (10)

Fortim D'El Rei

Building in Cape Verde, a small fortress from the colonial era.

Manuel d'Novas

Monument in Mindelo, dedicated to Cape Verdean musician Manuel d'Novas.

Gago Coutinho e Sacadura Cabral

Monument in Mindelo to the Portuguese aviation pioneers.

waiting place for ferries

Waiting area for ferries in Mindelo, departure point for island crossings.

Praia de Laginha

Beach in Mindelo, popular for swimming and sunbathing.

Luís Morais

Monument in Mindelo, honoring Cape Verdean composer Luís Morais.

CNAD - National Centre for Arts, Craft and Design🏛 museum

Museum in Mindelo showcasing Cape Verdean art, craft, and design.

Praça Nova (Praça Amilcar Cabral)🌳 park

Square in Mindelo, a central meeting point with green areas.

Eden Park Cine-Theatre

Cinema and theatre in Mindelo, venue for cultural events.

Alfândega Velha - Centro Cultural do Mindelo

Old customs house, now a cultural centre in Mindelo with exhibitions.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is this the original from Portugal?

No, it is a smaller-scale replica of the famous Belém Tower in Lisbon.

What is inside the tower today?

Inside, there are often small exhibitions about maritime history.

What are the opening hours?

Usually from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, except on weekends.

Where is the tower located?

It is located right at the Mindelo harbor, near the fish market.

Is there an entrance fee?

Yes, a small fee (approx. 100-200 CVE) is charged for entry.

Belém Tower (Mindelo): where is it located?

Belém Tower (Mindelo) is located in Cape Verde.

Belém Tower (Mindelo): what is there to see?

Highlights include Fortim D'El Rei, Manuel d'Novas, Gago Coutinho e Sacadura Cabral.

Belém Tower (Mindelo): when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, May.

Belém Tower (Mindelo): why is it worth visiting?

The Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) in Mindelo is a distinctive replica of the famous tower of the same name in Lisbon, standing proudly on the waterfront of São Vicente island.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →