Explore the Fascinating Interior of the Belem Tower
Inaugurated in the year 1521, the Belem Tower is the most iconic attraction in Lisbon and is located on the northern banks of the Tagus River and is a symbol that portrays Portugal’s glorious Age of Discovery. This 500-year-old tower was built in Manueline architecture and is stunning on the outside as well as on the inside.
The Belem Tower has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is worth exploring by anyone visiting Lisbon. Read on to know more about what’s inside the Belem Tower!
What’s Inside the Belem Tower?
Top Things To See Inside the Belem Tower
The Belem Tower is an architectural wonder and is a must-visit to admire the majestic architecture and the history the place beholds within its walls.
Stairway
A major highlight of the Belem Tower is its open terrace at the very top. There is a single narrow, steep staircase that gives access to all the floors including the roof, but it can get quite crowded. Enjoy great views of the city from the terrace. There is a red-green traffic light system that controls when people can ascend or descend. As you wait, explore each floor on the way up or down.
Ground Floor
This floor was once known for housing the tower’s artillery, with cannons that were aimed across the river through the narrow window openings. A lot of those guns continue to remain in the same place to date. Below them lies the magazine, which was used for storing gunpowder, and other types of military equipment, which was then converted into a prison in later centuries.
Governor’s Chamber
The Governor’s Chamber is where nine successive governors worked over centuries. It is worth exploring the narrow tunnels at either end to get to the attached turrets. Get to see a stone sculpture of a rhinoceros head, that was created to commemorate the arrival of the first rhinos in Europe.
King’s Chamber
The floor above the Governor’s Chamber is the King’s Chamber. The room gives a glimpse into the Renaissance-style balcony that offers great views over the lower terrace and the river. Above that on the third floor is the Audience Chamber.
Rooftop
On reaching the top floor, you will be able to witness a sweeping view of the waterfront, river, and surrounding neighborhood. The Statue of Christ the Redeemer and the April 25 bridge are visible and it is a perfect spot to capture some iconic photographs.
Can You Go Inside the Belem Tower?
If you are someone who is wanting to explore the inside of the majestic Belem Tower, you will have to get your hands on the Belem Tower admission ticket. Although you can explore the outside of the Belem Tower for free, the inside of the tower is a real gem that is worth exploring by anyone visiting Lisbon!
One major highlight of the Belem Tower is the open terrace at the top, but the rest of the tower is also worth exploring. A spiral staircase provides access to all the floors, including the roof and it can get quite crowded. There are a lot of intricate architectural details to admire and rooms to explore.
Visitor Tips
- If you do not wish to deal with the long crowds, visit the Belem Tower on a weekday and not on a weekend.
- The Belem Tower is closed on Mondays.
- The Belem Tower opens at 10 AM, but we recommend you to get there at least 1 hour earlier if you wish to explore the outside of the building and take some pictures.
- Usually, the crowds tend to arrive late in the morning and they last until the afternoon. We recommend you visit the location as early as possible or at the end of the day, just sometime before the last entry.
- It is ideal to purchase your ticket online well in advance. This way you have the option of cancellation too, which is great if you are unsure about the date of your visit.
- Given the location of the Belem Tower, it makes sense to combine a visit to the Belem Tower with the other nearby attractions. You can visit the Jeronimos Monastery as it is just a 15-minute walk away.
Book Your Belem Tower Tickets
Lisbon Essential Combo: Jerónimos Monastery + Belém Tower + Pena Palace Tickets
Frequently Asked Questions About What’s Inside The Belem Tower
A. Yes, around 150 people are allowed at a time to tour the inside of the Belem Tower. The adult entrance fee is 8.50 euros, and kids up to 14 can enter for free.
A. The Belem Tower has several sections, including a terrace, halls for meetings and ceremonies, a chapel, a gun room, a prison, and restrooms.
A. The Belem Tower is about 30 meters (98 ft) tall and 13 meters (39 ft) wide. The first floor consists of the Governor’s Hall, an octagonal space, while in the northeast and northwest corners are corridors that connect to the bartizans.
A. Yes, photography is permitted inside the Belem Tower.
A. No, it is not free to enter inside the Belem Tower. You will have to pay an entrance fee to explore the Belem Tower.
A. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belem Tower offers a story of the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Visit the attraction to check out the spiral staircase, and the rooftop terrace for great views and admire the architectural details and rooms.
A. The Belem Tower was designed by the architect Francisco de Arruda.
A. The Belem Tower is located on the northern bank of the Tagus River in the city of Lisbon, Portugal.
A. The Belem Tower was built in the 16th century, around 1515, and was designed by the famous architect Francisco de Arruda.