The Tower of Ulysses was named after the Greek hero who supposedly gave its name to the city of Lisbon, this was previously referred to as Torre do Haver or Torre do Tombo.
This was where the royal treasure was kept during the Middle Ages. It later became the house of the royal archives from the 14th century until the earthquake of 1755, when the Tower was completely destroyed.
The Tower of Ulysses also shelters the “Camera Obscura”, or Dark Chamber. This is a device that allows the visitor to explore in group sessions through a system of optical lenses the many great sights and iconic places of Lisbon. You will find the timetable for these sessions next to the Tower’s entrance door.
Once you’ve ended your visit to the Tower of Ulysses, please take the walkway atop the wall, which goes across the middle of the Citadel, with pine trees on its right side, and down the stairs to your left, after you’ve passed the gothic stone doorframe.
Then walk towards the red wooden door so we can explore the Barbican.