Focusing on towers above Lisbon, there are plenty of monuments worth exploring, namely Torre de Belém, Torre dos Clérigos, Torre da Universidade de Coimbra, Torre de Centocelas, and Torre da Lapela.


Torre de Belém

One of the most famous Portuguese postcards is Torre de Belém, located by the Tagus River, in Lisbon. The monument was built between 1514 and 1520, during King Manuel I's reign, designed by the architect Francisco Arruda.

The tower was built for military purposes, part of Lisbon’s defence system, and was designed under the Manueline style, with sea motifs, shells and spheres, commonly used in Portuguese architecture during the Discoveries Age. The tower was placed in an important location, as the Portuguese boats would depart from there to explore the Ocean, and eventually find new territories.

The 35-metre height tower was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, and it is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Lisbon.


Torre dos Clérigos

Nestled in the centre of Porto, Torre dos Clérigos is one of the most important buildings in the city. It is possible to see this tower, throughout the city. The construction of the tower finished in 1763 and complimented the Clérigos Church.

The 75-metre tall tower was designed by Nicolau Nasoni, who followed the Baroque style, bringing drama and movement to the verticality of the tower. It has a spiralling staircase that leads people to the sixth floor, after climbing more than 200 steps. The bell in the tower will ring every hour, and it is still a reference to the population to be aware of the time.

This symbol of Porto was also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and may be visited by everyone who would like to appreciate Porto’s landscapes.


Torre da Universidade de Coimbra

Located in one of the oldest European universities, the Torre da Universidade de Coimbra is an important symbol of the city’s academic story. Known by students, it is what lets teachers and students know when the classes start and end. With a bell that rings every 15 minutes, the bell rings for the first time by 7am, waking up everyone that lives around the Faculty of Law, where the tower is placed.

Often called “Cabra” (goat), the sound of the bell is mentioned in various traditional songs that recall the academic life of a university built in 1290. It is possible to reach the top of the tower, after climbing 180 steps, which is not advisable for people who suffer from claustrophobia or any heart condition. While climbing the staircase it will gradually become narrower, and the path may feel tiring, but once arriving at the top the 360º view of the Mondego River and Coimbra will amaze everyone.


Torre de Centocelas

In the district of Castelo Branco, namely in Belmonte municipality, is located one of the most mysterious towers of Portugal. It was built during the Roman Empire, around the 4th century, and it is one of the most well-preserved remaining of that time in Portugal.

The purpose of the building has not yet been discovered, while some believe it was a prison, others affirm that it could be a military camp during the Roman Empire. Some recent excavations made experts believe that it could be part of a villa as well.

The 12-metre tower has been a national monument since 1927 and was constructed with granite, not usual for European constructions during the 4th century.


Torre de Lapela

In front of the Minho River, Torre da Lapela is located in Monção, in Viana do Castelo district. It is very well preserved, and built by demand of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.

Built during the 12th century, the tower is 10 metres high with rock walls with 3 metres of thickness, and served military purposes, being close to the border with Spain, helping to anticipate possible Spanish attacks.

The tower was part of the Castle of Lapela, but it is now the only remains of the building. The old castle rocks were reutilised to construct the Praça de Monção, in the 17th century, after Portugal regained independence after the Spanish occupation of the national territory.


Staying high

All the towers may be visited by those who are not afraid to be in the highest places and enjoy the Portuguese natural beauty. Academic, defence or even religious reasons led to the construction of the mentioned towers, which are now monuments reflecting the traces of Portuguese history.

Each tower has legends, stories and moments to tell everyone who steps on them, having the opportunity to be part of the history as well.

Author

Deeply in love with music and with a guilty pleasure in criminal cases, Bruno G. Santos decided to study Journalism and Communication, hoping to combine both passions into writing. The journalist is also a passionate traveller who likes to write about other cultures and discover the various hidden gems from Portugal and the world. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos