Belenskaya Tower was erected in 1521 on a small island on the Tagus River in honor of the discovery of the sea route to India by the traveler Vasco da Gama. Over time, the course of the river has changed and now the tower is on the bank.
The creation of the architect Francisco de Arruda harmoniously combines elements of Moorish and Gothic styles. Each side of the tower is decorated with signs of royalty engraved on the walls - ropes wrapped around the building, sea knots and images of animals. On three sides there are balconies with the armorial shields of King Manuel I. Inside the tower, antique furniture is on display, including a 16th-century throne. During its long history, the building has alternately served as a fort, gunpowder warehouse, prison, and customs.
In 1983, UNESCO declared the Belém Tower a World Cultural Heritage Site. The tower is open to the public every day except Mondays and public holidays.