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During the Age of Discovery Lisbon grew in importance as it became a cosmopolitan city and a melting pot of different cultures, peoples and new ideas.

Portugal's naval strategy in the 16th century and the sea routes of the time made Lisbon a natural port of call for those engaged in international maritime trade.

It became necessary to protect Lisbon and its harbour. King João II (1455-1495) was the first to outline a novel and effective defence plan for Lisbon. His three-pronged plan required three fortresses, one at Cascais, a second at St. Sebastião da Caparica (also called the Old Tower) on the south bank of the Tagus and the third, which was completed by King Manuel I, who succeeded him after his death.

The third fortress, the Tower of Belém, was built in memory of the patron saint of Lisbon, St. Vincent, on the former mooring place of a large ship. This ship had formed a cross fire with the fortress of St. Sebastião and the Tower of Belém perpetuated the function of the ship in stone rather than wood.

( http://www.mosteirojeronimos.pt/english/web_torre_belem/html/hist_intro.html )

From "Lisboa, 850 Years of History" gallery at www.pbase.com/diasdosreis