Belém Tower
Lisbon, Portugal
A small 16th-century fortress on the Tagus that guarded the harbour entrance, now a symbol of the Age of Discoveries. The riverside path leads to the Monument to the Discoveries; parking along the avenue.
The Belém Tower was built from about 1514 to 1519 under King Manuel I, designed by the military architect Francisco de Arruda. The roughly 30-meter-high (98 ft), four-story tower of pale lioz limestone originally stood on a small island in the Tagus and guarded the river mouth. It was also a ceremonial gateway for departing and returning seafarers; later its dungeons served as a prison and one level as a customs house. Armillary spheres and twisted stone ropes are typically Manueline, while arched windows, balconies and ribbed cupolas on the corner turrets show Moorish influence. A rhinoceros is carved beneath one turret, reportedly the first depiction of that animal in Western European art. Since 1983 the tower has been a World Heritage Site together with the Jerónimos Monastery.
You can reach it by tram 15E, by the suburban train toward Cascais, or by bus; a footbridge leads over the railway tracks to the waterfront. It is usually closed on Mondays. Check access rules and opening times before you go (as of October 2026). The Jerónimos Monastery is just a short walk away.
- Nearest town
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.6916, -9.2160
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate. Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Lisboa CampingCampsite4 km from Belém TowerTentsCaravansWi-Fi
- Parque de Campismo INATEL da CaparicaCampsite5 km from Belém Tower
- Orbitur Costa da CaparicaCampsite5 km from Belém TowerTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Fábrica do Braço de PrataMotorhome stopover12 km from Belém TowerMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalWi-FiFree
- Montijo GardenMotorhome stopover22 km from Belém TowerCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Orbitur GuinchoCampsite22 km from Belém TowerTentsCaravans
All campsites in Portugal · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Belém Tower?
Belém Tower is in Lisbon, Portugal, at GPS 38.6916, -9.2160. It is about 5 km from Costa da Caparica.
Can you camp near Belém Tower?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lisboa Camping, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 25 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Belém Tower?
Belém Tower is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lisbon to Sintra along the Cascais coast.
What is there to see near Belém Tower?
Places worth a stop nearby: Jerónimos Monastery (1 km), Cristo Rei (4 km), Palácio da Pena (19 km) and Boca do Inferno (19 km).
When is the best time to visit Belém Tower?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)