How to visit and climb the Belem Tower (Lisbon): schedules, prices

It is one of the most significant monuments that you should see in a trip to Lisbon.

La Belém Tower You don't find it in the same city, but in the Belem neighborhood, On the banks of tagus river and towards the estuary.

There you will find enough arguments to dedicate almost a day of your Lisbon visit, not only the aforementioned Belém Tower, but above all the majestic Monastery of los jeronimos, and also him monument to the Discoveries.

And yes, in your Belem tourism visit You cannot miss a visit to the traditional establishment where since 1837 the delicious Belem cupcakes.

Curiosities of the history of the Belem Tower, World Heritage

La Belém Tower has its origin in the development at the beginning of the 16th century of a new defensive strategy to protect the Lisbon city from the frequent attacks by privateers or enemy nations.

This tower that was originally located on the same tagus river, and that now you will see it somewhat displaced on the banks of it, complements a defensive complex formed by the Cascais Fortress and the so-called old tower.

In this way, the three defensive bastions, thanks to their orientation, allowed their cannon batteries to create a crossfire against the enemy ships that entered through the estuary.

Known as Saint Vincent Tower, was ordered to be built by king Manuel I, and when it was completed in 1521, it became another outstanding example of the so-called Manueline architecture.

Currently, the Belém Tower It is considered World Heritage awarded by the Unesco, along with the aforementioned Jerónimos Monastery.

This is what a visit to the Belem Tower is like

To access the Belém Tower You will have to go through a wooden structure and cross a drawbridge.

Once inside, the first thing you will see is an enclosure with 17 mouths through which the cannons point towards the tagus river.

From there you go out to the bastion terrace, around which six watchtowers are distributed.

The main façade is located on the south side, facing the tagus river.

Because it was the façade that sailors who entered through the estuary saw, it was the most decorated, showing various ornaments typical of the Manueline style.

Governor's Room in the Belem Tower

During the ascent to the different floors of the towers, the first room you will pass through is the one called Governor's Room.

He was the highest authority of the fortress tower, and who represented the king exercising military, administrative and judicial functions.

Hall of the Kings in the Belem Tower

On the upper floor there is the Hall of the Kings, with balconies towards the south façade. with design inspired by venetian style.

As you continue climbing the spiral staircase, you reach the Courtroom, where its fireplace stands out, and finally you access the last room, the chapel, with its vaulted and ribbed ceiling.

Terrace of the Belem Tower

The last stage of your visit of the Belem Tower It is the upper terrace, from where you have the best panoramic views of the surroundings, highlighting above all the nearby Monastery of los jeronimos and, of course, the entire extension of the Tagus Estuary.

Visiting times Torre de Belem

The Visiting hours of the Belem Tower They are, from May to September, from 9,30 a.m. to 18:17 p.m. (last access at 10 p.m.), and from October to April, from 17,30 a.m. to 17:XNUMX p.m., with last access also at XNUMX p.m.

Please note that it is closed to visitors every Monday and on January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1 and December 25.

Belem Tower ticket prices

The Belem Tower ticket prices General admission is 8 euros; seniors over 65 and members of a family of four, 4 euros.

The holders of the Youth Card They have a 50 percent discount, and the Admission is free for children under 13, unemployed EU citizens and visitors with reduced mobility.

On the other hand, if you prefer visit Belem with the company of a guide in spanish, you can sign up for this Tour of Belem de three hours long.

In addition to visiting the interior of the Jerónimos Monastery, you will pass by the Belém Tower and you will end up tasting the famous Belem cupcakes.

• Here you have all the information on the Tour of Belem and the Jerónimos Monastery.

How to get to the Belem Tower from the center of Lisbon

To get to Belem, you can take tram 15 from Commerce Square, in the center of Lisbon. but you can also go on bus 28; This route will take you a little more than half an hour.