Belem Tower in Portugal: history and architecture

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

On the banks of the Tagus River in Portugal there is an amazingly beautiful building - the Torri di Belen tower. Its great historical significance and unusual architecture make it one of the seven wonders of Portugal.

Belem Tower: History

An old artillery ship originally stood on the site of the modern tower in Lisbon. In 1514, when King Manuel I ruled the country, the construction of a defensive fortress began on this site. The completion of construction in 1520 was timed to coincide with the opening of the sea route to India by the navigator Vasco da Gama.

Gradually the defensive functions of the fortress fade into the background. The fort is used as a lighthouse and a customs post. In 1580, the Spaniards, led by the Duke of Alba, captured the city, the Belen tower became a prison.

Initially, the tower was located a hundred meters from the coastline, but in 1755 there was a strong earthquake in Portugal. A natural disaster changed the course of the river, the Belen tower was on the shore. In the middle of the 19th century, the fortress was reconstructed. Her appearance is complemented by a niche in which there is a sculpture of the Virgin Mary, a symbol of protection and good luck for sailors.

In 1983, beforeIn preparation for the exhibition of art, science and culture, the castle is surrounded by an artificial lake. In the same year, the fortress was added to the UN World Heritage List.

Appearance

Torri di Belen is named after the patron saint of Portugal - Saint Vincent Belen. It consists of a medieval tower and a more modern bastion. The architect of the project was Francisco de Arruda.

Belem Tower is made in the Manueline style. This building is square in shape, which has four floors. The tower is 35 meters high. It is located on a hexagonal platform with a pointed edge in the form of a ship's prow.

The walls of the fortress are jagged at the top. On the upper terrace there are guard towers with observation windows and domed roofs. Outside, the walls of the fortress are decorated with patterns and royal symbols. Three sides of the fortress have balconies on which the arms of King Manuel are placed. On the fourth wall, in a niche, there is a statue of the Mother of God, meeting weary travelers.

Architectural style

Francisco Arruda chose the then popular Manueline style as the main theme for the Belen tower, complementing it with features of the Moorish and Venetian decorative styles.

The decorative and architectural style of Manuelinu appeared at the beginning of the 16th century, during the reign of King Manuel I. It was he who played the main role in the design of the Belen tower. Portugal at that time actively used the Gothic style, and Manueline became its maritime continuation.

Manueline style of the tower can be traced in fine openwork molding,depicting various nautical symbols. The outer walls of the fortress are entwined with molding in the form of sea ropes and knots, and the balconies are decorated with round coats of arms of the Order of the Cross, which is also characteristic of the Manueline.

Moorish features Francisco Arruda copied from the architecture of Morocco, where he worked earlier. Watchtowers and the balustrade of the terrace near the sculpture of the Virgin Mary are decorated in this style. The domes of the watchtowers copy the domes of the minaret of the mosque in Marrakesh. The Venetian style can be traced in the arched windows with loggias.

Interior

The swing bridge, which is located on the first floor, leads directly into the bastion. The decoration of this room is made in a restrained Gothic style, without frills. There are 16 weapon niches here.

Below the bastion are small rooms, which at different times were used to store provisions, then to accommodate prisoners. The stairs near the entrance lead to the upper terrace with guard towers.

The bastion terrace leads inside the tower. On the three lower floors there are rooms with a collection of furniture, as well as objects from the time of geographical discoveries. The first is the governor's room, followed by the royal room with a balcony. The next room was intended for audiences. On the fourth floor there is a chapel, from here a staircase leads to the upper terrace of the tower.

Where is Belém Tower (Portugal)?

The symbol of Portugal - Belen Tower - is located in the historical quarter of Santa Maria de Belen. Getting to it will not be difficult. To do thisyou can take tram number 15 or buses number 49, 43, 51, 29, 27. You need to get off at the stop "Largo da Princess", the tower is 200 meters from it.

The Cais Do Sodre train runs every 20 minutes towards the lighthouse fortress, but it stops a kilometer from the attraction.

Opening hours

The tower season starts in May and ends in September. At this time, it is open for visits from 10 to 18.30, daily, except Monday. From September to May the tower is open until 17.00. The entrance fee is about 4 euros.

Conclusion

Belem Tower (Lisbon) is the pride of the country. The unusual architectural style in which the fortress was made was practically not preserved in Portugal, which makes Torri di Belen even more popular among tourists. The monumental fortification, complemented by numerous openwork and carved details, has witnessed significant historical events. For many years it accompanied sailors on a long journey, and the sculpture of the Virgin Mary promised good luck. Now the Belen Tower is the main symbol of Portugal, which everyone should definitely see.