Torre de Belém

Built between 1514 and 1519 under King Manuel I, the Torre de Belém guarded the mouth of the Tagus during Portugal's Age of Discovery — Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral and Ferdinand Magellan all sailed past it. The exterior is the textbook example of Manueline architecture: maritime ropes carved into stone, the Cross of the Order of Christ, an open loggia inspired by Venetian palaces. UNESCO World Heritage since 1983.

Five floors of cramped stone rooms connect via a single spiral staircase with traffic-light access (red/green wait). The Governor's Hall, King's Chamber and rooftop terrace are the highlights; the cannon room at the base shows where the harbour defences sat. Allow 45–60 minutes total. The view from the top covers the 25 de Abril Bridge, Christ the King statue, and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos directly across the river.

Adult ticket is €8 in 2026; combined Belém ticket (Tower + Jerónimos Monastery) €16. Closed Mondays. Take tram 15E from Praça do Comércio (25 min) or train from Cais do Sodré to Belém station (7 min, €1.45). Pair the visit with Pastéis de Belém — the original 1837 custard tart shop is a five-minute walk away.