Belem Tower Inside

One of the top highlights of Belem Tower's interior is the single and steep staircase that connects all the floors. You can explore various sections inside the tower by climbing on this staircase and then going to the top floor which boasts an open terrace. From the terrace, you can capture glistening views of the riverfront. Since the staircase is quite narrow, you have to follow a red-green traffic light system to ascend or descend on it. 

Read More: History Of Belem Tower

While exploring the Belem Tower interior, the first place you’ll come across is the ground floor. This place was used for storing the artillery in the tower and keeping the cannons which aimed across the river through the small window openings. You can still see 15th and 16th century guns here along with the magazine which was used to store gunpowder. The dungeons below this part of the tower was later converted into a prison until 1830. 

The next place is the Governor’s Chamber, also called the Sala do Governador. This place served as the office of Governor of the Tower for nine successive governors. The Governor was the on-site royal representative with administrative, judicial, and military authority. You can discover the narrow tunnels on both ends of this floor which provide access to the watchtowers. Make sure, you click pictures of the stone sculpture of a rhino’s head, symbolising the arrival of the first rhinos in Portugal from India. 

Continue your exploration on to the next floor which is the King’s Chamber, also known as the Sala dos Reis. It was believed that the royals enjoyed watching the ships on River Tagus from this tower. It also boasts a Renaissance-styled balcony and sweeping views of the lower terrace. There are three additional balconies on this floor from where you can see statues of St. Vincent, the patron of the tower and Lisbon, and the Archangel Michael.

After climbing the top floor of the tower, brace yourself to be mesmerised by the awe-inspiring views of River Tagus. You can also see the waterfront and the surrounding neighbourhood from the top. Bring your cameras to click memorable pictures of the Statue of Christ the Redeemer and the April 25 bridge which are visible from the rooftop.