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 impressive structure was first built in nineteen forty for the Portuguese World Exhibition and later reconstructed in nineteen sixty to honor five hundred years since the death of Henry the Navigator. Standing fifty-two meters high, the monument resembles a stylized caravel, a type of ship used during the Age of Discoveries.
At the front, you’ll see Henry the Navigator steering the ship, symbolizing his crucial role in Portugal’s maritime explorations. Surrounding him are thirty-three statues of important figures like Vasco da Gama and Pedro Álvares Cabral, each contributing to Portugal’s journey across the seas.
The monument is made from concrete and rose-tinted Leiria stone, giving it a warm glow against the River Tagus. Below, a large compass rose made of black and red limestone marks the main routes of Portuguese explorers from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. This intricate design was a gift from South Africa and adds a beautiful detail to the site.
In nineteen eighty-five, the monument was expanded to include a viewpoint, an auditorium, and exhibition halls, transforming it into the Cultural Center of Discoveries. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon and the surrounding river, perfect for capturing memorable photos.
Located near other historic landmarks like the Jerónimos Monastery and Torre de Belém, the Monument to the Discoveries is a key spot to explore Portugal’s rich maritime heritage. Whether you visit in the morning or evening, the monument welcomes you to step back in time and celebrate the spirit of exploration that shaped the world.
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