Padrao dos Descobrimentos

Avenida de Brasilia,
1400-038 LISBOA


Opening hours:

Tuesday to Sunday 9 am to 5 pm
Closed: Monday, 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec

Tel: (351) 213031950
Fax: (351) 213031957
E-mail: padraodosdescobrimentos@egeac.pt


The Monument to the Discoveries (Padrao dos Descobrimentos) is a most characteristic symbol of Lisbon. It is located in the district of Belém, near to others important and historical buildings: the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery.

The Monument to the Discoveries was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator and all great Portuguese men who took their part in the Age of Discoveries. This current monument replaced the old one constructed in 1940 for the Portuguese World Exhibition.

The Monument to the Discoveries was designed by an architect Cottinelli Telmo and the sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida. It is 52 meters high and it's made of concrete and covered with stone rose from Leiria. Its shape reminds the three-sailed ship ready to depart. In the central part, on the prow stands the figure of Henry the Navigator, with a small vessel in his hands. Just behind him there are about 30 sculptures presenting other important, historical persons, such as: Vasco da Gama - the India discoverer, Ferdinand Magellan - the first who circumnavigated the world, Pedro Álvares Cabral - the Brasil discoverer, the King Manuel I - the monarch during the Age of Discoveries, etc.

The access path to the Monument is decorated with an amazing mosaic. This incredible, designed by Cristino da Silva, work of art was a gift from the South Africa Republic. It presents a 50 meters diameter Wind Rose made in marbles of different colours. In its central part is a 14 meters wide map of the world with the vessels and caravels showing the main routes of the World Discoveries.