francisco de arruda (1547)

Francisco de Arruda: Portuguese architect & sculptor famed for the Belém Tower's Manueline style. Explore his innovative designs & contributions to 16th-century Portugal.

Tower of Belém (Lisbon, Portugal)

Explore Belém Tower, Lisbon’s UNESCO World Heritage Site! Marvel at Manueline architecture and relive Portugal's Age of Discovery history with breathtaking Tagus views.

Main entrance of the Tower of Belém where the Portuguese coat of arms can be seen. King Manuel I wanted the Tower of Belém, located at the entrance to the kingdom’s capital, to clearly assert his power. Therefore, the king ordered his heraldry to be ostensibly displayed on the tower. These include the Royal Arms, his personal emblem the