Monument to the Discoveries

Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) 

The Monument to the Discoveries is a striking landmark located on the northern bank of the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal. Originally built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, the monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries. 

Shaped like a ship’s prow, the monument features 33 prominent figures from Portugal’s maritime history carved in stone, including explorers, monarchs, cartographers, and artists. Leading the group is Prince Henry the Navigator, holding a model of a caravel in his hands. 

Standing 52 meters tall, the monument offers an observation deck with breathtaking views of the river, the Belém district, and the nearby Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. The vast square in front features a large marble wind rose and world map, gifted by South Africa, that traces the routes of Portuguese explorers. 

The Monument to the Discoveries is both a tribute to Portugal’s seafaring legacy and an invitation to reflect on the impact of exploration on world history.