Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)
Avenida Brasília, Belem, Lisbon, PRT
Erected in 1960, this giant white monument stands at the edge of the Tagus River, and depicts a caravel—a ship commonly used by Portugal’s 15th-century explorers—about to set sail. Aboard the ship is 32 sculptures of leading figures from Portugal’s seafaring heyday, including Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan.
A striking feature of the Lisbon waterfront, the Monument to the Discoveries presents some of the city’s best photo opportunities. Ride a lift or climb up more than 260 steps to the rooftop viewpoint, which overlooks the Tagus River and the Belem district. Look for a large limestone compass mosaic in front of the monument, which illustrates just how well-traveled Portugal’s 15th- and 16th-century adventurers really were.
The monument is near several other crowd-drawing attractions, including Belem Tower (Torre de Belém), Belem Palace (Palácio de Belém), and Monastery of St. Jerome (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), making it a popular spot for sightseeing tours. Because of its waterside setting, the monument can be easily seen on river cruises.
- The Monument to the Discoveries is one of the best lookouts in Lisbon, with panoramas that encompass top landmarks such as the 25th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril) and the Christ the King (Cristo Rei) monument.
- Use the pedestrian underpass to safely cross the busy road near the waterfront.
- There is no café at the site though street vendors at the waterfront sell drinks and snacks.
The Monument to the Discoveries is located on the waterfront in Lisbon’s Belem district. To get there, ride the tram (line 15) or take the train from Cais do Sodré to Belem.
The Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is open daily between March and September, and Tuesday–Sunday between October and February. Summer is busiest; go for opening (10am) to beat the crowds.
Among the 32 figures depicted on the side of the monument are navigators, cartographers, missionaries, and other significant figures from the Age of Discovery, including Bartolomeu Dias, the first European to sail around the southernmost tip of Africa; Pedro Álvares Cabral, the first European to discover Brazil; and Afonso V of Portugal, the 15th-century king of Portugal.
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