Belem+Tower

= The Belem Tower =  The Belem Tower was created to be apart of the defense system at the mouth of the Tagus River and a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. The tower guards the entrance of the city. The tower is located near the shore because it was relocated after the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake. By 1520, the Belem Tower was finished in the right bank of Tagus. It was one of the world most beautiful examples of military architecture.

The tower was originally built on a small island. The completion of the tower was after King John II. The Belem Tower was built in the Manueline style. An interesting fact about this tower happens at night. This tower was the last sight of their homeland.

The tower serves as a tribute to Portugal's Age of Exploration. It is also officially listed as a World Heritage monument by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).Belem Tower features historical figures such as St. Vincent and an exotic rhinoceros which was the muse of Durer's drawing of the beast.