Belem Tower Rhinoceros – Torre de Belém
Belem Tower Rhinoceros (Torre de Belém) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Belem, Portugal. It is one of the most iconic monuments of the city of Belem and an important symbol of the Portuguese Age of Discoveries. The tower was built in the 16th century and is now one of the most visited attractions in Portugal.
History of the Belem Tower Rhinoceros
The Belem Tower is a fortress that was constructed in the 16th century by King Manuel I as part of the defense system of the port of Lisbon. The tower was built in several stages and was completed in 1521. It was the last great fortification built in Portugal during the Middle Ages. The tower was used to protect the entrance to the harbor from enemy ships and as a lookout point for the city.
The tower was named after the nearby town of Belem. It was known as the Tower of Our Lady of Belém or simply the Tower of Belem. The tower was built in the Manueline style, a Portuguese architectural style that was popular during the Age of Discovery. The tower is rectangular in shape and is surrounded by a wall that is four meters thick. The walls of the tower are decorated with intricate sculptures and carvings that depict the Portuguese maritime history.
The tower served as a prison during the 16th and 17th centuries and was used to house political prisoners. It was also used as a quarantine station to prevent the spread of diseases into the city. The tower was heavily damaged during a storm in the 18th century, but it was later restored by the Portuguese government.
Today, the Belem Tower is a popular tourist attraction in Belem and a symbol of the Portuguese Age of Discovery. The tower is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited monuments in Portugal.
What to See at the Belem Tower
The Belem Tower Rhinoceros is a popular tourist destination in Belem. It is open to visitors every day and offers a variety of attractions. Visitors can explore the interior of the tower, which is home to an exhibition about the history of the tower and the Age of Discovery. There is also a museum of maritime history located inside the tower, which offers visitors the chance to learn more about the Portuguese maritime history.
The tower is also home to a number of sculptures and carvings. Visitors can admire the intricate stonework and carvings that adorn the walls of the tower. The tower also features a number of cannons that were used to protect the city from enemy ships.
Visitors can also explore the nearby gardens and enjoy the stunning views of the city from the top of the tower. There is also a café and a gift shop located inside the tower.
Conclusion
The Belem Tower Rhinoceros is one of the most iconic monuments of the city of Belem and an important symbol of the Portuguese Age of Discovery. The tower was built in the 16th century and is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in Portugal. Visitors can explore the interior of the tower, admire its intricate stonework and carvings, and enjoy the stunning views of the city from the top of the tower.