Arguably the most emblematic of all Lisbon’s historical monuments, the Belm Tower squats in the shallows near the mouth of the River Tagus as a symbol of Portugal’s extraordinary Age of Discovery during the 16th century. Built in 1515-21 as a fortress and originally sited in the middle of the river (the watercourse has shifted over the years), the tower represents the highpoint of decorative Manueline architecture.

Its ornate fa§ade is adorned with fanciful maritime motifs – all twisted rope and armillary spheres carved out of stone. Indeed, so valuable and iconic is this monument that it’s protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set over various levels, the most interesting interior feature is the second-floor King’s Chamber‚ where the room opens onto a Renaissance loggia. The royal coat of arms of‚ Manuel I is placed above the elegant arcades. Climb the impossibly steep spiral staircase to the top-floor tower terrace, and you’re rewarded with a fine panorama of the waterfront esplanade and the river.