Photograph showing a close-up view of the Belém Tower, with an armed guard standing on its bastion. The fortified tower was built in the early 16th century, under King Manuel I of Portugal (1469-1521), but initially commissioned by his predecessor, King John II (1455-95), as part of a coastal defence system. It sits at the mouth of the Tagus River, near Lisbon, and represents one of the best examples of the so-called Manueline style, a Portuguese late Gothic architectural style. This is particularly evident in the use of the crosses of the Order of Christ and twisted ropes embellishments. The style, though, typically incorporates hints of other architectural styles, such as the Moorish-inspired bartizan turrets and domes.
