A fortress in the water
The tower was built on a rock in the Tagus, reachable only by boat. Over the centuries the riverbank moved out to meet it, which is why it now seems to sit on the shore.
Urban Tales › Lisbon › Belém Tower
Belém Tower: the history, and the fortress that was built in the river
Built to guard the mouth of the Tagus at the height of the Age of Discoveries, the tower now looks like it stands on the riverbank. Here's what you're looking at, and what to listen for when you get there.
Built1514–1519
Commissioned byKing Manuel I
ArchitectFrancisco de Arruda
UNESCOWorld Heritage, 1983
Hear the Belém Tower story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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2
A rhinoceros in stone
Under one of the watchtowers you can find a carved rhinoceros, inspired by the rhino sent to King Manuel I in 1515. It's one of the earliest European sculptures of the animal.
3
The king's symbols
Look for the armillary spheres and the crosses of the Order of Christ: they are Manuel I's emblems, carved all over the Manueline stonework.
TipCome early or late in the day: the queue to climb the narrow spiral stair is shortest then, and the river light on the stone is at its best. With Urban Tales running, the tower's story plays as you walk up along the river.
Nearby landmarks
Belém Tower: common questions
When was Belém Tower built?
Between 1514 and 1519, on the orders of King Manuel I, to defend the entrance to Lisbon's harbour.
Was Belém Tower built in the river?
Yes, on a rock in the Tagus. The shoreline moved over the centuries, so today it appears to stand on the bank.
Is there really a rhinoceros on Belém Tower?
Yes, a stone rhinoceros under one of the watchtowers, inspired by the rhino that arrived in Lisbon in 1515.