Belém Tower, Lisbon

Belém Tower, an iconic landmark of Lisbon, Portugal, stands as a testament to the Age of Discoveries. This fortified tower, which graces the bank of the Tagus River, was constructed between 1514 and 1520 during the reign of King Manuel I. It was originally built to defend Lisbon and to serve as a ceremonial gateway to the city.

The tower's architectural style is a fusion of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline, with hints of Moorish influence, reflecting the cultural diversity of the Portuguese discoveries. Notable for its ornate façade adorned with ropes carved in stone, armillary spheres, crosses of the Order of Christ, and naturalistic elements such as the rhinoceros, Belém Tower symbolizes Portugal's maritime history.

At a height of 30 meters, the tower has served various roles throughout history, including a customs post, a telegraph station, and even a lighthouse. Its layout consists of four floors, including the Governor's Hall, the Kings' Hall, the Audience Hall, and the Chapel. The rooftop terrace offers visitors panoramic views of the Tagus and the surrounding landscape of Belém.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, alongside the nearby Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower is not just a monument but a cultural artifact that tells the story of Lisbon and Portugal's glorious past. It stands as a reminder of the time when Portuguese explorers set out to chart unknown waters and continents.