Monument to the Discoveries

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The monument was originally constructed as a temporary structure for the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition before being rebuilt as a permanent concrete landmark in 1960.

2. 2

   The central figure, Henry the Navigator, is surrounded by historical figures including Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and the poet Luís de Camões.

3. 3

   The wind rose mosaic measures 50 meters in diameter and features depictions of ships and sea monsters characteristic of period cartography.

4. 4

   While the monument celebrates explorers, the only woman depicted among the 33 historical figures is Queen Felipa of Lancaster.

5. 5

   The interior of the monument houses an auditorium and a permanent exhibit detailing the history of the Belém waterfront.

6. 6

   The structure's shape is intended to evoke the prow of a ship sailing toward the Atlantic Ocean.

7. 7

   The monument underwent significant structural restoration between 2012 and 2015 to clean the stone facade and update visitor facilities.

Overview

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a 52-meter high concrete monument located on the northern bank of the Tagus River in Belém, Lisbon. Built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, it features a stylized caravel shape. The structure depicts 33 prominent figures from the Portuguese Age of Discovery arranged on two ramps leading to a central statue of Henry the Navigator. A large wind rose mosaic featuring a map of the world, a gift from the Republic of South Africa, is embedded in the plaza floor at the base of the monument. The interior contains an exhibition space, a multi-purpose room, and an elevator providing access to the top for panoramic views of the river and the Belém district. The monument was constructed using reinforced concrete and is clad in limestone from Leiria. It stands at the exact location where ships traditionally departed for exploratory voyages during the 15th and 16th centuries. The monument remains a significant piece of 20th-century Portuguese modernist architecture.

Insider tips

• Use the elevator to reach the top level for unobstructed views of the Jerónimos Monastery and the 25 de Abril Bridge.

• Study the mosaic map on the ground before entering the monument to identify the colonial routes depicted.

• Visit the riverside walkway during the evening to see the monument illuminated against the dark water.