Torre de Belém
(Tower of Belém)
The 16th-century Manueline-style tower is a
virtual icon of Lisbon. When it was constructed in 1521, the tower stood
farther out in the river, but after centuries of silting, the bank has
since come out to meet it. It was planned both as a river lookout and—with
the São Sebastião fortress across the river—as an armed fortress
for the defense of Portuguese shipping. It still looks suitably robust,
but elegant at the same time, with its lovely porch, delicate third-story
terraced windows, and details showing Moorish influence. The inside is
plain and Gothic in feeling, with stone spiral staircases and bare walls.
It's worth the price of admission for the view.
