Monument to the Discoveries: Lisbon’s Tribute to Exploration

Sailing along the Tagus River, just past Belém Tower, another monument catches your eye. Tall. Bold. Striking. It’s the Padrão dos Descobrimentos — the Monument to the Discoveries. A concrete ship frozen in time, forever pointing toward the sea.

A Salute to Portugal’s Explorers

Portugal once ruled the waves. This monument celebrates that legacy. It honors the navigators, cartographers, scientists, and poets who shaped the Age of Discovery.

Built in 1960, it marked 500 years since the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. He led Portugal’s early exploration efforts and dreamed of reaching distant lands. The monument stands where many expeditions began.

Design That Speaks Volumes

The structure looks like a ship’s prow. It leans toward the ocean. At its front, Prince Henry holds a small caravel. Behind him, 32 historical figures line both sides.

Each one played a role in Portugal’s rise as a seafaring power. You’ll find Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, Pedro Álvares Cabral, and even poet Luís de Camões, author of The Lusiads.

At 52 meters tall, the monument dominates the riverside. Climb to the top for sweeping views of the Tagus, Belém Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery.

Monument to the Discoveries Facts

• It was originally built in 1940 for the Portuguese World Exhibition.
• The current version, made of concrete and limestone, was finished in 1960.
• A huge compass rose and world map lie on the ground in front of it. These show Portugal’s routes during the Age of Discovery.
• The monument houses a museum and observation deck inside.

A Place of Reflection

From the river, the monument stirs something inside you. Pride. Wonder. Curiosity. It stands as a reminder of when Lisbon was the starting point of world-changing journeys.

The Monument to the Discoveries isn’t just a photo stop. It tells the story of a nation that reached beyond the horizon. It honors the dreamers who mapped the globe and challenged the unknown.

Don’t Miss It

Visiting Lisbon? Stop at the Monument to the Discoveries. Walk around the compass rose. Step inside. Ride the elevator to the top. Look out where explorers once sailed.

From the water or land, this riverside icon is a must-see. But for the most breathtaking view, see it from the river on a Sailing with Sal tour along the Tagus River. There’s no better way to experience the monument’s scale, setting, and seafaring spirit.