Monument of the Discoveries
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
A 52-metre sail-shaped monument on the Tagus riverbank, where Prince Henry leads navigators including Vasco da Gama and Magellan out to sea, with views over Belém from the top.
The Monument to the Discoveries stands on the Tagus riverbank in Belém. Built in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of navigator Prince Henry, it is about 52 metres tall and shaped like a caravel setting out to sea. At the prow, Prince Henry holds a model ship, and behind him stand more than 30 figures from the Age of Discovery, including Vasco da Gama, Magellan and the poet Camões. In front of the monument, a giant compass and a world map mosaic mark the years the Portuguese reached various places. A lift goes up to the top observation deck, where you can look out over Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery and the 25 April Bridge (about €10). An underground passage leads straight there from the monastery, and walking 10 minutes west along the river brings you to Belém Tower.
Opening hours
Mar–Sep 10:00–19:00; Oct–Feb 10:00–18:00 (closed Mondays)
Nearby sights
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Pastéis de Belém
- National Coach Museum
- Belém Tower
- MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
- LX Factory
- Sanctuary of Christ the King
- National Museum of Ancient Art