Belém Tower (Portuguese: Torre de Belém) was built in 1515 during the reign of king Manuel I. The Belém Tower is a beautiful fortress and is a great example of the Portuguese Manueline architectural style. This architectural jewel, served as the departure point for many of the voyages of the age of discovery, and for the sailors it was the last sight of their homeland. It incorporates many stonework motifs of the Discoveries, sculptures depicting figures of St. Vincent and Our Lady of Safe Homecoming, a symbol of protection for sailors on their voyages. The rhinoceros sculpture is considered to be the first of such an animal in Western European art and inspired the rhinoceros that Manuel I sent to Pope Leo X in 1515. The tower saw its role confirmed in 1983 when UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage monument.
