Attraction Guide: Padrão dos Descobrimentos, Lisbon, Portugal

Padrão dos Descobrimentos Guide

Padrão dos Descobrimentos: A Monument to Portugal's Age of Exploration Guide

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, or Monument to the Discoveries, is an imposing structure that stands proudly on the Tagus River in Belém, Lisbon. This striking monument celebrates Portugal's Age of Exploration, a period of intense maritime activity during the 15th and 16th centuries that saw Portuguese explorers charting new territories and establishing trade routes across the globe. Its location on the riverbank is particularly significant, as it marks the spot where ships once departed on their voyages into the unknown. The monument, shaped like a caravel (a type of sailing ship), was originally erected in 1940 for the Portuguese World Exhibition as a temporary structure made of perishable materials. The current, more permanent monument, was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, a key figure in promoting Portuguese exploration. The monument features sculptures of prominent Portuguese figures who played a significant role in the Age of Discoveries, including navigators, monarchs, artists, and missionaries. Visitors can ascend to the top of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos for panoramic views of Belém, the Tagus River, and the Jerónimos Monastery. Inside, you'll find a cultural center that hosts temporary exhibitions related to Portugal's history and its connection to the sea. Don't miss the impressive compass rose mosaic at the base of the monument, a gift from South Africa, which depicts a world map showcasing the routes of Portuguese explorers. It's a great place to reflect on the ambition and impact of Portugal's maritime past.