Torre de Belem was originally conceived as a five-tiered castle-lighthouse on river Tagus. It was built in the years 1515-1521 when Manuel I. It Portuguese navigators sailed to discover new trade routes. During the Napoleonic wars the building was half destroyed, but completely renovated in 1845. The bastion dedicated to the Virgin Mary, whose patronage brings good luck, store the image of the Blessed Virgin in a seashell.

The tower, built in the Manueline style, richly decorated with images of the outside of the ropes, openwork balconies, turrets in Arabic style and battlements. Balustrade cloister fortress wall decorated with coats of arms of the Knights.

Most recently he served as a prison tower and armory. From the top of the tower offers a magnificent view.