Belém Tower

The Belém Tower, one of the most beautiful historical sites in Portugal, is a magnificent medieval defense tower on the northern bank of the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal, and a symbol of Europe's Age of Discovery. Belém Tower, also known as The Tower of St Vincent, was built between 1514 and 1520 during King Manuel's reign by Portuguese architect and artist Francisco de Arruda to commemorate Vasco da Gama's legendary Portuguese explorer's trip to India. It is regarded as one of the best examples of Manuelino style architecture of the time, but it also has distinguishing Moorish characteristics such as ornately adorned towers.

Belém Tower, together with the adjoining Jeronimos Monastery, is a stunning mix of robust defense and detailed decoration, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983.

The Belém Tower was included in the list of Portugal's Seven Wonders in 2007, and it is one of the top ten tourist attractions in the country.

Location: Lisbon