About
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, also known as the Monument to the Discoveries, stands on the bank of the Tagus River in Lisbon, at Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa. It is a monument that celebrates Portugal's Age of Discovery, and its 52-metre height makes it one of the most visible landmarks along the riverfront.
What you will see
The monument is built as a great stone prow, with a figure of Henry the Navigator at its head and other Portuguese explorers alongside him. Its sculpted figures are arranged so that the whole composition seems to move out towards the water, which suits a monument about voyages and departures. Take time at the base to read the setting and to notice how the figures relate to one another.
The view from the top
Visitors can go up to the top of the monument, where the panoramic views over the river, the Belém area and the surrounding city repay the climb. It is a good place to orient yourself in Lisbon and to see how the city meets the water.
Making the most of a visit
- Combine it with a walk along the riverside, which is pleasant at a relaxed pace.
- Plan to visit the nearby area of Belém, which offers more of the city's maritime heritage around the monument.
- Call ahead on +351 213 031 950 if you want to check details before you travel.
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos suits anyone interested in Portuguese history, in the Age of Discovery, or simply in seeing Lisbon from a high and open vantage point beside the Tagus.