Publications
Tower of Belém (Lisbon)–Status Quo 3D Documentation and Material Origin Determination
A groundbreaking high-resolution 3D model of the Tower of Belém, a 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site and Lisbon's second most visited monument, has been created using terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry. This digital representation encompasses over 6.2 billion 3D points, providing an unprecedented documentation of the tower's interior and exterior. Additionally, hyperspectral imaging and spectroradiometry were employed to identify the quarries responsible for the stone used in its construction. The study not only offers a comprehensive assessment of the tower's current state but also serves as a potential guide for future conservation efforts or even reconstruction in the event of another catastrophic event, such as the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and tsunami.
The “Manueline” Secular Architecture in Portugal: A Distinctive Style in Lisbon in the Context of Italian Tradition
A distinctive Renaissance architectural style, known as Manueline, emerged in Portugal during the reign of King Manuel I (1495–1521), blending Gothic, Spanish Plateresque, and Italian Renaissance elements. This study highlights how Manueline architecture, characterized by its whimsical and symbolic motifs—including heraldic and exotic designs influenced by global discoveries—served as a tool for reinforcing national identity and central power in Portugal. The research reconstructs Lisbon's urban ensembles, royal residences, and secular buildings using historical miniatures, maps, and paintings, while contextualizing these structures within North Italian Renaissance traditions. Despite significant losses due to earthquakes from the 16th to 18th centuries, modern scholarly efforts—including those by T. Kaptereva, K. Lawe, L. Fernández-González, and A. Jordan Gschwend—offer new insights into this unique style's evolution and significance.
‘Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown’ opens in Lisbon
The Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, opened in Lisbon on October 5th, 2010, marks a significant advancement in translational research by integrating clinicians and basic scientists to focus on cancer and neuroscience. Located near the historic Tower of Belém, the centre symbolizes the fusion of historical exploration with modern scientific inquiry. Its design, featuring open clinical and laboratory spaces, fosters collaboration between disciplines, aiming to accelerate progress in metastatic cancer research under the leadership of Raghu Kalluri. The centre also emphasizes international recruitment, offering competitive salaries that provide protected time for research, thereby bridging clinician-scientists and basic scientists. Beyond its scientific importance, the centre's innovative architecture, designed by Charles Correa, includes a rainforest interior and public spaces, enhancing its visibility and engagement with the community.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon