The monument contains over 9,000 names engraved into its stone walls representing those who perished in the conflict.
The eternal flame was inaugurated in 1994 by the President of the Portuguese Republic.
The memorial is shaped to evoke the visual rhythm of a fortress or a defensive bastion.
The complex includes a specific space dedicated to the 'Unknown Soldier' buried with honors.
The location was strategically chosen to overlook the Tagus River, the departure point for many soldiers during the conflict.
The Monument to the Overseas Combatants is a war memorial dedicated to Portuguese soldiers who died during the Overseas War between 1961 and 1974. Located in the Belém district of Lisbon, it features a central triangular pillar surrounded by a granite wall inscribed with the names of the fallen. An eternal flame burns within the central section as a symbol of remembrance. The site is maintained by the Liga dos Combatentes and serves as the primary location for official commemorative ceremonies. The memorial's design emphasizes verticality and linear geometry, contrasting with the nearby historic Tagus riverfront. Its construction was completed and inaugurated in 1994 to provide a permanent place of tribute for veterans and families.
From the riverfront path, capturing the monument with the eternal flame and the river in the background.
Combine this visit with the nearby Belém Tower for a thematic exploration of Portuguese naval and military history.
Observe the guard change ceremony if you visit during official commemorative dates.
The area is largely exposed to the elements; carry sun protection in summer or a windproof jacket in winter.
Treating the memorial as a casual playground or climbing on the granite structures, which is considered disrespectful.
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor as this is a formal site of mourning and remembrance.
