It is one of Portugal’s most famous monuments that prepares to close doors to the public. Protagonist of a large part of the postcards that sell themselves all over the country, the monument with which long lines of tourists are formed daily is also a viewpoint that presents one of the ‘best’ views for the Tagus River and the south. For a year, the monument will remain silent, in the one that will be a pause for restoration and conservation works.
The Belém Tower, one of Lisbon’s most emblematic monuments, will end the public for conservation and restoration works. The announcement comes a few days after the reopening of the pattern of the discoveries, which was closed for four months for similar interventions.
Duration of the works expected for one year
The intervention in the tower is part of the Plan of Recovery and Resilience (PRR) and will have the expected duration of one year. However, the possibility of partial reopening, subject to the progress of the works and the constant evaluation of the safety conditions for visitors and workers.
According to the public company, responsible for the management of the monument, “with each new phase of the progress of the works, which will take place over the coming months, the possibility that the Belém Tower will be open to the public, always taking into account the safety of visitors and their workers”.
Investment of over one million euros
The endeavor is awarded for a value of 1.05 million euros, with an established execution period of twelve months. The main objective is to ensure the preservation of the building, internationally recognized as an identity symbol of the city of Lisbon.
The Belém Tower was built between 1514 and 1530, and was designed by architect Francisco de Arruda. Its construction arose in response to the need to defend Barra do Tagus, an intention already existing in the time of D. João II, but only advanced during the reign of D. Manuel I.
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World Heritage Since 1983
Originally dedicated to São Vicente, Patron of Lisbon, the tower is one of the most visited monuments in Portugal and was classified as a world heritage by UNESCO in 1983. Its architecture is marked by the Manueline style, with a “festive decoration in the Portuguese Manueline Portuguese modality”, according to Museums and Monuments of Portugal.
Reopening of the pattern of discoveries
Works in the Belém Tower were announced at the same time as the pattern of discoveries reopens to the public, after a period of rehabilitation that aimed, among other objectives, the improvement of the conditions of visit and the reception of people with reduced mobility.
Investment of 150,000 euros
The intervention in the discoveries’ standard implied an investment of about 150,000 euros, including the remodeling of sanitary facilities and rehabilitation of the exhibition room acoustic ceilings. It should be noted that this famous monument reopened to the public this Friday, April 25.
The sequence of these works shows a coordinated effort to preserve the main national monuments under state protection, with the support of Funds of PRR. Museums and Monuments of Portugal ensures that the purpose of these interventions is to prolong the longevity of buildings and reinforce their accessibility and tourist attractiveness.
Monitoring of recommended updates
During the closing period of the Belém Tower, the authorities recommend to visitors to accompany the official MMP channels for up -to -date information on eventual temporary reopening and the progress of the work.
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