Although D. João II first conceived it within the framework of the first plan for the defense of the ‘Lisbon Barra’, the S. Vicente of Belém Tower was only built during D. Manuel’s kingdom, between 1514 and 1520. Designed by Francisco de Arruda, the tower defended the maritime access to the Portuguese capital by coordenating artillery fire with the sister tower of S. Sebastião da Caparica on the left bank of the Tejo, and with an armed caravel anchored in the river. Much like the sister towers of Caparica and Cascais built decades before, this fortress is made up of a square tower and a bulwark close to the surface of the water which houses the artillery placed at the cannon holes.

Considered the highest expression of Manueline architecture for its profuse and elegant decoration, the Tower of Belém was granted Cultural Heritage of Humanity status by UNESCO in 1983.