Audio GuideMonument to the Discoveries
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Statue built in 1940 and made permanent in 1960 to mark 500 years since Henry the Navigator's death.
Tourist Attraction
Lisbon, Portugal
Welcome to the Monument to the Discoveries in Belém, Lisbon. This remarkable structure was originally erected in nineteen forty for the Portuguese World Exhibition and later rebuilt in nineteen sixty to commemorate five hundred years since the passing of Henry the Navigator. Towering at fifty-two metres, the monument is shaped like a caravel, a type of ship used during the Age of Discoveries.
At the forefront, you’ll find Henry the Navigator at the helm, symbolising his pivotal role in Portugal's maritime endeavours. He is surrounded by thirty-two statues of notable figures such as Vasco da Gama and Pedro Álvares Cabral, each having contributed to Portugal’s voyages across the seas.
Constructed from concrete and rose-tinted Leiria stone, the monument exudes a warm glow against the backdrop of the River Tagus. Below, a large compass rose crafted from black and red limestone outlines the main routes taken by Portuguese explorers in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. This intricate pattern was a gift from South Africa and adds a beautiful touch to the site.
In nineteen eighty-five, the monument was enhanced to include a viewpoint, auditorium, and exhibition spaces, transforming it into the Cultural Centre of Discoveries. From the summit, you can enjoy sweeping views of Lisbon and the adjacent river, ideal for capturing unforgettable photos.
Situated near other historic landmarks like the Jerónimos Monastery and Torre de Belém, the Monument to the Discoveries is an essential destination for those wishing to delve into Portugal’s rich maritime history. Whether you visit in the morning or evening, the monument invites you to step back in time and honour the spirit of exploration that shaped our world.
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