Torre de Belém (Belém Tower)

The garrison stationed in the Tower surrendered to Spanish forces under the command of the Duke of Alba in 1580 after only a few hours of battle. During the Philippine Dynasty (1580 - 1640) the dungeons of the Tower served as the state prison. The rectangular two-storey building was constructed over the bastion, giving it it's distinct profile as seen today, with sculpted crosses of the Order of Christ and rounded watchtowers. The tower came under attack by French forces during the Peninsular War and invasion of Lisbon and between 1808 and 1814 troops were based at the tower. Tower later was used as a prison to incarcerate liberal opposition to King Miguel between 1828 - 1834. At the same time serving as a customs control centre for foreign merchant ships entering Lisbon. Various restoration projects took place during the 20th Century but it wasn't until it was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and ownership transferred into the Instituto Português do Património Arquitetónico forerunner of IGESPAR) did a full restoration accrue lasting from February 1997 to January 1998 which saw reinforcing the structure, treating the mortar and structural cleaning.

As you approach the tower, you'll notice how every corner and elevation is protected by a distinctive Moorish styled bartizan (turret). The bartizan on the northwest corner is a carved rhinoceros. It is thought to represent the gift given to Manuel I from the Sultan of Cambay. Above the northern turrets are two statues: on the right, the Archangel Michael and on the left St. Vincent, the patron saint of Lisbon and the tower itself.

Closer inspection of the structure as a whole will reveal its two major parts, the irregular hexagonal bastion with the four-story rectangular tower perched on its northern flank. Mainly Manueline in style which is especially apparent in its elaborate rib vaulting, crosses of the Order of Christ, armillary spheres and twisted rope carvings. King Manuel I was a member of the Order of Christ and the cross of the Order is repeatedly used throughout the structure.

The bastion juts out to sea and gives the impression of a ship's hull. The galley effect is enhanced with the 17 portholes which point cannons in every conceivable line of fire. The upper tier of the bastion has a low crenellated wall with circular bartizans in strategic places, decorated by rounded shields with the cross of the Order of Christ that circle the platform.

As one ascends the gangway to the drawbridge it's possible to notice plant motifs, surmounted by the Royal coat of arms and flanked by small columns, complemented with armillary spheres symbolising Portugal's nautical explorations. They were used on King Manuel I's banner to represent Portuguese discoveries during his rule. The guillotine gate entrance has a machicolation above the entrance hall through which missiles could be dropped on any assailant.