Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Monument & Heritage
A solitary landmark in a dramatic location on the banks of the Tagus, this monument evokes the overseas expansion of Portugal throughout the ages. This elegant sculpture has a poetic name - the Monument to the Discoveries - and a lot of historic significance. It was created by the sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida and Cottinelli Telmo and it was first erected in 1940 for the Portuguese World Exhibition.
The original was built with temporary materials, but the monument was reconstructed with concrete and rose stone masonry in 1960 in order to mark 500 years since the death of “Henry the Navigator” Infante Dom Henrique. The sculpture depicts a ship ready to launch, filled with carved likenesses of important Portuguese figures including the poet Camões, the explorers Vasco da Gama, Cabral and Magellan, King Manuel I and many other monks, cartographers and crusaders.
Within the monument itself you will find an intriguing exhibition space with displays about Lisbon’s history. Don’t miss the opportunity to take the elevator to the top and admire the breathtaking views of Belem.
On the north side of this 56m-tall monument in the form of a caravel with three large sails and with the various historical figures lodged on its sides, it is possible to see on the floor with Portuguese sidewalk a rose of the winds with 50m in diameter.