The progress of the maritime voyages during the age of the Discoveries (16th century) made the port of Lisbon a compulsory stop on international trade routes and the beach in Belém witnessed the departures of many voyages to the new lands of Africa and the Orient. The wealth and cultures brought back from these voyages made a decisive contribution to the construction of great monuments such as the torre de belém, designed to protect Lisbon and its bar. The initial plan was drawn up under the initiative of King João II (1455-1495) and, after his death, his successor King Manuel I became responsible for buildingthe fort in honour of the patron saint of the city of Lisbon - São Vicente.
The progress of the maritime voyages during the age of the Discoveries (16th century) made the port of Lisbon a compulsory stop on international trade routes and the beach in Belém witnessed the departures of many voyages to the new lands of Africa and the Orient. The wealth and cultures brought back from these voyages made a decisive contribution to the construction of great monuments such as the torre de belém, designed to protect Lisbon and its bar. The initial plan was drawn up under the initiative of King João II (1455-1495) and, after his death, his successor King Manuel I became responsible for buildingthe fort in honour of the patron saint of the city of Lisbon - São Vicente. 
