
Belem Tower (Torre de Belem), Lisbon (must see)
Belém Tower or the "Tower of St Vincent" is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (along with the nearby Jerónimos Monastery) because of the significant role it played in the Portuguese Age of Discoveries. Commissioned by King John II to be part of a defense system at the mouth of the Tagus River, as well a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon, the fortified tower was erected in the early 16th century and is a prominent example of the Portuguese Manueline style, but also incorporates hints of other architectural styles. It was built from a beige-white limestone local to the Lisbon area and thereabouts called Lioz.
Touristy? Absolutely! But still a not-to-miss on clear days. The site is picture-perfect, well maintained and just amazing for its history. The biggest draw is climbing to the top via a very narrow spiral staircase. Locals play music and sell goods outside. There is a large park nearby to hang out, eat a picnic lunch, or let the kids run.
Tip:
Unless you're lucky to arrive at a short line, it's best to admire from the outside garden versus investing too much time in line to enter. If you insist on getting inside, buy your ticket online or at a kiosk in the adjacent park to bypass the lengthy queue. A Lisbon Card will have you queueing with everyone else (but, at least, you won't have to pay the entrance fee!).
Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am–5pm
Touristy? Absolutely! But still a not-to-miss on clear days. The site is picture-perfect, well maintained and just amazing for its history. The biggest draw is climbing to the top via a very narrow spiral staircase. Locals play music and sell goods outside. There is a large park nearby to hang out, eat a picnic lunch, or let the kids run.
Tip:
Unless you're lucky to arrive at a short line, it's best to admire from the outside garden versus investing too much time in line to enter. If you insist on getting inside, buy your ticket online or at a kiosk in the adjacent park to bypass the lengthy queue. A Lisbon Card will have you queueing with everyone else (but, at least, you won't have to pay the entrance fee!).
Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am–5pm
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lisbon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Belem Tower (Torre de Belem) on Map
Sight Name: Belem Tower (Torre de Belem)
Sight Location: Lisbon, Portugal (See walking tours in Lisbon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lisbon, Portugal (See walking tours in Lisbon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lisbon, Portugal
Create Your Own Walk in Lisbon
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lisbon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lisbon Introduction Walking Tour
Legend goes that Lisbon's name has derived either from Allis Ubbo, meaning "safe harbor" in Phoenician, or from the pre-Roman name of the River Tagus, Lisso. Nestled at Europe's western edge and featuring numerous architectural styles, it ranks as the world's 10th oldest city and traces its roots back to the Phoenician Civilization, who settled it approximately three... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Belem Walking Tour
Also known as Santa Maria de Belem, this district not far from the city center lines the Tagus River and is the original location of Lisbon's port – the epicenter to India, Brazil, Africa and the rest of today's known world. Beautifully aged, Belem is a masterpiece of architectural marvels and art at every corner. Notable among its historic and cultural landmarks are the Belem Tower,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Alfama Walking Tour
Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon, whose name derives from the Arabic "Al-hamma" and means "hot fountains" or "baths". The district is a home to numerous historic attractions, including a former royal residence – the medieval São Jorge Castle, as well as numerous churches, of which the most prominent is Lisbon's Cathedral, oldest in the city, and the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Sao Jorge Castle to Lisbon Cathedral Walking Tour
This self-guided walk takes you from the breathtaking Sao Jorge historic castle to the city's oldest church, the Lisbon Cathedral, while taking in the picturesque Alfama district – where it is said Fado originated – along the way. Included also are several unique museums, as well as two viewpoints from where you can look out over Alfama and the Tagus River. A classic Lisbon walk!
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
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