It is no wonder that the Belém Tower is on the list of the most famous national monuments.
It is one of the 7 wonders of Portugal and is still considered a world heritage site by UNESCO.
What secrets does the Belém Tower hide?
In addition to being a battle post, the Tower also served as a lighthouse and…dungeon! Prisoners were on the bottom floor which was so low they couldn't even stand up! Yes it is true! And more curious than that, one of its exterior sculptures represents a rhinoceros!
There are also 3 saints carved on the walls of the Tower: Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso, São Vicente and São Miguel.
These are small secrets among so many others, which guard the famous and imposing Tower of Belém which, despite being so well known by that name, has the official name “Torre de São Vicente de Belém” in memory of the patron saint of the city.
Architected 5 centuries ago by Francisco de Arruda, it was the first line of defense of the Tagus with 16 cannons!
Divided into 5 main areas (the governor's room, the audience room, the kings' room, the chapel and the terrace of the Tower), the Belém Tower receives visits from the most curious tourists!
