Torre de Belém, Central Portugal, Portugal

4bluebay06 5:00 PM Dec 13, 2022

Not very effective in defending Lisbon but attractive
We reached the Belem Tower using the modern tram 15, comfortable and spacious (very different from the other trams in Lisbon) with the Viva Viagem day ticket valid for it. Like many other tourists, we also visited the other tourist attractions in this area such as the Jerónimos Monastery, the Church of Santa Maria and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. After passing Avenida da India using the Passadiço do Bom Sucesso, we arrived at the gardens in front of the tower. The ticket office to access the Belem Tower is located along this pedestrian street while the public toilets are on the other side of the tower and just before the Museu do Combatente. The Tower of Saint Vincent, a 16th-century fortification, initially built on a small islet in the Tagus river near the Lisbon shore, is now de facto on the north bank of the river to which it is connected by a short bridge. In fact, at high tide the tower is completely surrounded by water, while at low tide you can touch it by walking on the sand. History tells us that this defensive fortification was not very effective in defending Lisbon from attacks from the sea, but its architectural appearance makes it interesting as well as the river bank is beautiful. Anyone going to Lisbon cannot fail to visit the Belem area even if the decision to visit the inside of the tower must be evaluated on the basis of the length of the queue which in our case was so long to make us give up. As an alternative to visiting, you can, as many tourists do, buy a glass of wine from the local vendors and sit in front of the tower enjoying the view over the Tagus River.

3retireeVancouver 5:00 PM Dec 12, 2022

Lisbon's Landmark - Mildly interesting
Our ship's excursion had a 20 minute photo stop here which was just enough time to take a photo of the Tower built in the 1500's, view a replica of the seafloat airplane in the park that flew from Lisbon to Brazil in 1922, stroll past the vendors' souvenir stalls, and enjoy a Belem pastry. The Tower was located at the narrowest point on the river and cannons were used to protect the entrance to Lisbon against invaders, pirates. The limestone carvings that embellish the exterior features of the tower, itself made from limestone blocks, are quite eroded, but the overall appearance with its many turrets makes a striking photo. Our guide didn't recommend an inside visit. The tower is located about 1 km away from the Jeronimos Monastery and Monument of Discovery which are grouped together, so I thought this tower with its limited interest was a bit out of the way for tourists with limited time in Lisbon. Vendors sold tourist souvenirs like tiles (4 E), lage plates (75E), tea towels (1E), cork purses, etc. Belem pastries looked delicious, but pricey at 1.50E, when these tasty custard tarts can also be bought at the Santa Apolonia Metro station grocery store for .35E (our cruise ship docked near it). Note to cruisers - look for this landmark tower as your ship sails into/out of Lisbon