Padrao dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries), Lisbon
Conceived as a temporary beacon for the 1940 Portuguese World Fair, the grand Monument to the Discoveries stands as one of Lisbon's prominent symbols, embodying a romanticized vision of the nation's history. It celebrates the courageous individuals who participated in the Age of Discovery, a period of exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries that helped dispel humanity's fear of the unknown.
Situated at the mouth of the Tagus River in Belém, from where countless ships once set sail on journeys to uncharted territories, the monument takes the form of a 52-meter-high concrete structure shaped like the prow of a ship. On its inland-facing side, a towering sword is intricately carved, extending the full height of the monument. At the forefront of a lineup of statues that includes King Alfonso V, Luís de Camões, Vasco de Gama, and other Portuguese heroes, a prominent statue of Henry the Navigator stands proudly.
Inside the monument, there is a small exhibition space that often showcases exhibits related to Lisbon's history. The admission fee also grants access to an elevator ride offering brilliant panoramic views. A good zoom on your camera is essential to capture the splendid cityscape, featuring the Tagus River, the '25th of April' Bridge, the Christ the King statue, Belém Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery.
Tip:
Don't overlook the "Rosa-dos-Ventos" at the monument's base, consisting of a wind rose and an elaborately crafted mosaic map illustrating Portugal's world discoveries, with key overseas possessions marked, each bearing the date of its discovery. Although it was added 20 years after the monument's inauguration, it seamlessly integrates with the monument both thematically and aesthetically, making Portugal the center of the world, as one would expect.
Situated at the mouth of the Tagus River in Belém, from where countless ships once set sail on journeys to uncharted territories, the monument takes the form of a 52-meter-high concrete structure shaped like the prow of a ship. On its inland-facing side, a towering sword is intricately carved, extending the full height of the monument. At the forefront of a lineup of statues that includes King Alfonso V, Luís de Camões, Vasco de Gama, and other Portuguese heroes, a prominent statue of Henry the Navigator stands proudly.
Inside the monument, there is a small exhibition space that often showcases exhibits related to Lisbon's history. The admission fee also grants access to an elevator ride offering brilliant panoramic views. A good zoom on your camera is essential to capture the splendid cityscape, featuring the Tagus River, the '25th of April' Bridge, the Christ the King statue, Belém Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery.
Tip:
Don't overlook the "Rosa-dos-Ventos" at the monument's base, consisting of a wind rose and an elaborately crafted mosaic map illustrating Portugal's world discoveries, with key overseas possessions marked, each bearing the date of its discovery. Although it was added 20 years after the monument's inauguration, it seamlessly integrates with the monument both thematically and aesthetically, making Portugal the center of the world, as one would expect.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lisbon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Padrao dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) on Map
Sight Name: Padrao dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
Sight Location: Lisbon, Portugal (See walking tours in Lisbon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lisbon, Portugal (See walking tours in Lisbon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lisbon, Portugal
Create Your Own Walk in Lisbon
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lisbon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Sao Jorge Castle to Lisbon Cathedral Walking Tour
Spreading on the slope between Saint George's Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge) and the Tagus River, the oldest neighborhood of the Portuguese capital, Alfama, captivates visitors with its rich cultural heritage and picturesque ambiance. The area is home to numerous historical attractions and as such makes a perfect destination for a classic Lisbon walk!
Perhaps the best starting point for it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Perhaps the best starting point for it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Alfama Walking Tour
Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, spreading downhill between the medieval former royal Castle of São Jorge and the Tagus river. Under the Islamic rule, Alfama constituted the largest part of the city, and was increasingly inhabited by fishermen and the poor. The reputation of being a poor area still lives on. The name Alfama derives from the Arabic al-ḥamma, which means "hot... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
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Legend goes that Lisbon's name has derived either from Allis Ubbo, meaning "safe harbor" in Phoenician, or from the pre-Roman name of the River Tagus, Lisso. Nestled at Europe's western edge and featuring numerous architectural styles, it ranks as the world's 10th oldest city and traces its roots back to the Phoenician Civilization, who settled it approximately three... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Belem Walking Tour
Also known as Santa Maria de Belem, the district of Belem is one of the most visited in Lisbon. Situated not far from the city center, it lines the Tagus River and is the original location of Lisbon's port – the starting point of the many great voyages of discovery by Portuguese explorers, such as Vasco da Gama – departed from here for India in 1497, and Pedro Alvares Cabral – for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
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