Gallery of the Portuguese Pioneers
Menu
  • News
    • Latest News
    • People
    • Travel
    • Writing
  • Pioneers
  • About
    • About
    • Gallery
    • Granny’s Treasure Chest
    • Associates
  • Library
    • Archive Search
    • Books
    • Documents
    • Magazines
    • Newspapers
    • Photos
  • Learn
    • Overview
    • Videos
    • Textbook
    • Assessments
    • Teacher Resources
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Submissions
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Search
Gallery of the Portuguese Pioneers
  • News
    • Latest News
    • People
    • Travel
    • Writing
  • Pioneers
  • About
    • About
    • Gallery
    • Granny’s Treasure Chest
    • Associates
  • Library
    • Archive Search
    • Books
    • Documents
    • Magazines
    • Newspapers
    • Photos
  • Learn
    • Overview
    • Videos
    • Textbook
    • Assessments
    • Teacher Resources
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Submissions
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Search
History, News, Travel

Torre de Belém: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

posted by Gallery of the Portuguese Pioneers
Apr 12, 2016 1666 0 0
Share

Did you know that the Lisbon landmark Torre de Belém, is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site? This site was given its name to honour the significant role it played in the Portuguese maritime discoveries during the Age of Discoveries (2). It is one of the most visited landmarks in Portugal to this day (1).

The Torre de Belém sits on a tiny island just off of the coast of the Tagus River. It took three years to build; construction beginning in 1515 and ending 1519 (1). It was initially used as a defence mechanism for the Portuguese military, to ensure that no intruders or attacks arrived unannounced through the river (1).  Although the building appeared to be mediocre compared to other cities’ defence mechanisms, the Portuguese architects (Arruda, Holanda, Barreto, Azevedo e Cunha (2)) who designed it, did so strategically so that it could have two separate, spacious levels with enough room for cannons and men armed with bows and arrows to defend themselves against oncoming intruders (1). The Torre de Belém survived many battles (as well as the devastatingly destructive Lisbon earthquake of 1755 — more on that in a future post!) through the years, thus becoming very valuable to the Portuguese, as it was a vital part of many successful victories of defence.

Today, the Belém Tower is not so much viewed as a defence mechanism for Lisbon, but rather a historical symbol of perseverance, attracting many tourists and historians. Often times, the Portuguese will even say that the monument itself represents the strength and unity of the nation.

Leana Rendeiro

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter 

Notes: 

(1) – MONUMENT – Belem Tower. (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2016, from https://www.torrebelem.pt/en/index.php?s=white

(2)- Belém Tower. (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belém_Tower

Portuguese HeritagePortuguese HistoryPortuguese MonumentTorre de BelemUNESCO World Heritage Site
Share
Post Author
Gallery of the Portuguese Pioneers

Previous

Aristides de Sousa Mendes: A Holocaust Hero

Next

Portuguese-Canadian Walk of Fame: For the community, by the community

Facebook

Video

Categories

  • Books
  • Culture
  • Events
  • History
  • kids
  • News
  • People
  • Slider
  • Sports
  • Travel
  • Uncategorised
  • Women
  • Women Pioneers
  • Writing

Follow Us!

You Might Also Like

Culture, History, News, People
Aug 8, 2017

The Average José: An Immigration Story

The Canadian artist Ken Flynn has created a 125 page graphic novel about his grandfather, José Pires, and his...

Read More
4 0
Culture, News
Nov 10, 2016

Pioneer Portrait: Abílio Marques, The Poet Who Couldn’t Read or Write

Abílio Cipriano Marques was born in Pampilhosa da Serra (a town in Portugal, near the city of Coimbra) in 1929. His...

Read More
0 0
© Gallery of The Portuguese Pioneers
Back top