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Belém Tower - detail of armillary sphere from chapel vault

Francisco Arruda16th century

Tower of Belém

Tower of Belém
Lisbon, Portugal

The "Armillary Sphere", is the heraldic symbol of King D. Manuel which is used here as a decorative element in the vault. This room leads onto a balcony on the tower's southern façade, which features eight round holes in the floor, known as machicolations, through which the garrison could fend-off attacks by shooting or dropping projectiles.

On three sides of the room there are doors that open onto opulent, Venetian inspired, balcony windows. In the northwest corner is an exceptional stone fireplace with a mantelpiece adorned with half spheres.

Details

  • Title: Belém Tower - detail of armillary sphere from chapel vault
  • Creator: Francisco Arruda
  • Date Created: 16th century
  • Location Created: Torre de Belém
  • Rights: DGPC/ADF - Luis Pavão
  • Medium: Limestone

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