Plizio Visual Lab
Belém Tower
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Belém Tower, officially the Tower of Saint Vincent, is one of Lisbon's most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Manueline architecture. It was constructed between 1514 and 1519 by order of King Manuel I to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbor and commemorate the voyages of explorer Vasco da Gama. Built from Lioz limestone, the structure blends Late Gothic elements with Moorish influences and nautical symbols like stone-carved ropes and armillary spheres. Originally, the tower stood on a small island in the middle of the Tagus River, but the shifting of the riverbank following the 1755 earthquake has left it accessible nearly from the shore. Inside, it features a bastion with cannon ports and ornately decorated halls that once functioned as a state prison. Since 1983, the Belém Tower has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, symbolizing the Age of Discovery that propelled Portugal to global power.
- Location: Portugal
- Top sights: Praia do Segundo Torrão · Praia de Algés · Praia da Trafaria
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 22 | 19 | 14 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 60 | 51 | 60 | 54 | 34 | 13 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 78 | 86 | 61 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Belém Tower is open to visitors; you can explore the interior with its historic rooms and climb to the viewing platform. Entrance fee applies, and a visit is especially worthwhile at low tide.
Typical hours
The tower typically opens at 10 AM and closes at 6:30 PM in summer, earlier in winter. It is often closed on Mondays, with special hours on holidays.
Photography
Photography is allowed inside the tower, but without flash to protect the historic rooms. The outer terrace gives fantastic panoramic views of the Tagus riverbank - seize the opportunity for wide-angle shots.
Time needed
Visiting the tower takes about 30-45 minutes, including the climb and interior exploration. If you factor in queues, allow one hour total.
Combine with
Combine the tower with the nearby Jerónimos Monastery and a visit to the famous Pastéis de Belém. Both attractions are within a 10-minute walk.
Getting there
The tower is on the Tagus riverbank in the Belém district, easily reachable by tram 15E or bus from central Lisbon. It's a 5-minute walk from Belém train station.
Insider tip
Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon when the light is best for photos.
Geography
Facts
- The tower was built over a five-year period from 1514 to 1519.
- It was dedicated to Saint Vincent, the patron saint of Lisbon.
- The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage monument in 1983.
- The architecture represents the ornate Portuguese Manueline style.
- The lower levels of the tower were formerly used as a prison.
- The entire structure is composed of local Lioz limestone.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Belém Tower (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is it necessary to book tickets for Belém Tower in advance?
Yes, entry is strictly limited. Online tickets are almost essential to avoid very long wait times.
Is photography allowed inside the tower?
Yes, private photography without a tripod is allowed, though the narrow spaces can be crowded.
How many steps are in the tower?
There are about 120 steps up a narrow spiral staircase, with a traffic light system managing the flow.
Is the tower wheelchair accessible?
Only the ground floor is accessible via a ramp. The upper floors can only be reached by stairs.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning right at opening or just before sunset for the best light and fewer crowds.
Belém Tower: where is it located?
Belém Tower is located in Portugal.
Belém Tower: what is there to see?
Highlights include Praia do Segundo Torrão, Praia de Algés, Praia da Trafaria.
Belém Tower: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Belém Tower: why is it worth visiting?
The Belém Tower, officially the Tower of Saint Vincent, is one of Lisbon's most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Manueline architecture.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Portugal →
Nearby cities
Caxias
Caxias is a charming coastal parish in the Greater Lisbon area, known for its historic forts and tranquil beaches along the Tagus estuary.
Costa da Caparica
Costa da Caparica is a vibrant coastal town near Lisbon, Portugal, famous for its expansive sandy shores, excellent surfing conditions, a…
Paço de Arcos
A beautiful coastal town along the Portuguese Riviera, offering charming beaches, historic forts, and an excellent culinary scene near Li…
Charneca de Caparica
Charneca de Caparica is a vibrant coastal parish near Lisbon, famous for its extensive sandy coastline and pine forests.
Amadora
Amadora is a populous city within the Lisbon metropolitan area.
Oeiras
Oeiras is a dynamic municipality on the Estoril Coast, balancing urban convenience with rich maritime heritage and beautiful promenades.
Carcavelos
A lively coastal town near Lisbon, famous for its expansive beach, surfing culture, and historic fort.
Agualva-Cacém
Agualva-Cacém is a bustling urban center in the Sintra municipality, offering a mix of modern life, local markets, and proximity to histo…
Parede
Parede is a charming coastal town on the Portuguese Riviera, famous for its health-boosting, iodine-rich waters.
Cascais
An elegant seaside resort on the Portuguese Riviera, known for its golden beaches and grand villas.
Samouco
A picturesque town on the banks of the Tagus, known for its salt pans and proximity to the Vasco da Gama Bridge.
Birre
Birre is a quiet residential area near Cascais, providing easy access to the stunning Atlantic coastline.
Montijo
Montijo is located on the southern bank of the Tagus and is directly connected to Lisbon via the Vasco da Gama Bridge.
Alcochete
A charming town on the Tagus banks near Lisbon, famous for its salt pans, flamingos, and the Praia dos Moinhos beach.
Janas
Janas is a charming village near Sintra, boasting a dramatic coastline, historic architecture, and close proximity to stunning Atlantic b…
History & landmarks
National Tile Museum
The National Tile Museum in Lisbon is dedicated to Portuguese tile art.
Lisbon Oceanarium
Lisbon Oceanarium is one of Europe's largest aquariums and a top family attraction.
Pena Palace, Sintra
Pena Palace in Sintra is an iconic example of 19th-century Romantic architecture.
Sintra-Cascais NP
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park extends from the forested mountains of Sintra to the rugged Atlantic coast.
Palmela Castle
Palmela Castle is located strategically on the Setúbal peninsula.
São Felipe Fortress
The São Felipe Fortress in Setúbal was built in the 16th century to protect the city and harbor from attacks.
Nature
Tagus River
The Tagus is the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula and defines life around Lisbon.
Albufeira Lagoon
Lagoa de Albufeira is a coastal lagoon south of Lisbon with calm water and natural areas.
Tejo Estuary Nature Reserve
A significant wetland near Lisbon that functions as a major wintering ground for waterbirds.
Arrábida Natural Park
A protected area where the blue hues of the sea contrast with the white tones of the limestone cliffs and the green of the vegetation, cr…
More places
Tropical Botanical Garden
This garden located in Belém specializes in tropical and subtropical plants.
Ajuda National Palace
This neoclassical palace in Lisbon served as the official residence of the Portuguese royal family in the 19th century.
Tapada das Necessidades
A historic park in Lisbon that was once part of the royal complex.
Peace Park of Almada
An extensive urban park in Almada that serves recreation and nature.
National Theater of Sao Carlos
The opera house in Lisbon was opened at the end of the 18th century.
Queluz Palace
This 18th-century palace served as a royal residence for the House of Braganza.
Monterreo Park
A landscaped park with native tree species.
Alverca Aerospace Cluster
Alverca is a significant hub for aerospace maintenance and manufacturing in Portugal.