Another Wednesday, another guessing game.
Where in the world is this tower?
A UNESCO World Heritage Site this week as well. This one was built to commemorate the fantastic voyages of a 16th century explorer. Walking along the Moorish-style loggia of the tower, looking out from the bastion onto the river, well… it’s exhilarating. Perhaps you’ll even spot an imaginary enemy ship of the past? Good thing we weren’t here on a certain All Saints Day in the middle of the 18th century. At 9:40 on that Saturday morning, the city was hit by one of the deadliest earthquakes in history. 40 minutes later, a tsunami rushed up the river.
A winner will be selected among those who give the correct answer. They will be featured here on “Where in the world?” and on Sophie’s World Facebook fan page with their name, blog, SoMe channel of choice and a short bio.
Last week we were in San Marino, the world’s oldest republic. The winner was David Bennett, author of the Quillcards blog. David runs the wonderful Quillcards Ecards and Art Prints along with his wife Tamara Colloff-Bennett. He is the photographer and she is the designer behind the great art work. They even offer free ecards for you to try.
Don’t worry about spoiling the fun if you know the answer – just shout it out. Moderation is turned on for the competition, meaning only I can see your comment for now. I’ll publish all the comments simultaneously.
All is revealed
Update 24 June 2011: The correct answer is Torre Belém – or Belém Tower – at the mouth of the River Tagus (Tejo) in Lisbon, built to commemorate the expeditions of Vasco da Gama. Loads of right answers this week as well. I love having such well-travelled and well-read readers.
The winner this week is Jeremy Branham who knew the specific location as well as details of the earthquake. Jeremy has a passion for his family, sports and travel. He is the author of Budget Travel Adventures, where he shares his adventures, lessons learned, and tips on travelling. Check out his facebook page for heaps of great travel tips and stories. CONGRATS, JEREMY.
Torre Belém
We’re taken back to a time when Portugal was a great seafaring nation here at the Tower of Belém. It was built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s fantastic voyages in the early 16th century. On the River Tagus (Tejo in Portuguese), the Tower of Belém was a gateway to the city of Lisbon as well as a defensive fort.
Torre Belem is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon.
My guess is Lisbon – Portugal
Lisbon!
This one is too easy!! This is Lisbon and the earthquake that hit was in 1755. This area is more specifically known as Belem. This is one of my favorite cities in all of Europe!!
@Jeremy – Yes, I think it may have been a bit too easy. Looks like many people know and like Portugal 🙂
I believe this is Belem Tower in Lisbon.
Hmm… Lisbon? The Great Lisbon Earthquake in 1755 is the earthquake you’re referring to?
Wales?
@Roy – I do like Wales, but this one’s just a wee bit further south 🙂
That is the Torre de Belem, in Lisbon, Portugal! 🙂
Looks like it could be somewhere in the Middle East. Reminds me a little of some of the forts of Oman.
Looks like a Portuguese fort. Bahrain or Oman perhaps?
@Louise and @Christian – Interesting guesses. It does look a bit like some of the Portuguese forts we find in many countries in the Middle East, like Oman and Bahrain. Only this one’s in Portugal 🙂
Great clues–I love history and the whole era of exploration. Would it be Lisbon?
@Melvin @Deej @Idelish @Debbie @Michael @Sensibletraveler – you’re all correct 🙂
Wow, lovely spot! And no clue why I didn’t visit here when I was in Lisbon in 2006!
So glad to be the winner this week! Thank goodness this was an easier one! 🙂
What a cool tower. Looks positively medieval. Hmm, I suppose it kinda is. Can’t believe I haven’t seen that in Lisbon… Just have to go back, I guess.
This looks like a fun game, Sophie. When will you do another one?
@Robert – glad you like it. Maybe tomorrow or next Wednesday…
Oh, I love this photo. That looks like such a cool structure. Can’t believe I missed this when I was in Lisbon last summer.
Definitely, it’s the Belem Tower in Lisbon Portugal.
Nice post.
Regards,
JC
Thanks. Such a beautiful building.