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Perhaps in Lisbon, Portugal
Alex Vinokur of Winston Towers holds the Sunny Isles Beach Sun Community Newspaper at the Belém Tower - a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery. It was built in 1515 both as a ceremonial gateway to the city and as part of a defense system at the entrance of the Tagus River and Lisbon's harbor. The tower was the starting point for many of the voyages of discovery, and for the sailors it was the last sight of their homeland.
The architect of the tower, Francisco de Arruda, also worked on Portuguese fortifications in Morocco, so the Moorish-style is used in the watchtowers. Facing the river are arcaded windows, delicate Venetian-style loggias, and a statue of Our Lady of Safe Homecoming, a symbol of protection for sailors on their voyages. The Manueline style of architecture has a strong influence on the many stonework motifs of maritime elements; on the sculptures which depict historical figures such as St. Vincent and on an exotic rhinoceros. Additionally, representations of the voyages of discovery of Vasco da Gama and Pedro Álvares Cabral are incorporated into the structure. This style of architecture marks the transition from Late Gothic to Renaissance, incorporating the style and decorations of East Indian temples.
The tower often served as a symbol of the country, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has listed it as a World Heritage monument.
City of Sunny Isles Beach
18070 Collins Avenue
Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160
Attn: Alayne Yeash
or e-mail to ayeash@sibfl.net
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