Discoveries Monument

The Age of Discovery

Found on the northern bank of the Tagus River estuary, the Discoveries Monument leans over where ships once left Lisbon, destined for exploration and trade with distant empires and colonies. It celebrates the Portuguese ‘Age of Discovery’, which took place during the 15th and 16th centuries and was epitomised by Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India and Álvarez Cabral’s discovery of Brazil. At its height the Portuguese empire spanned three continents, and Lisbon was flooded with its riches.

Built in 1939 and standing 50 metres tall, it’s a striking but undoubtedly romanticised version of Portugal’s past — one that was typical of the Estado Novo regime of António de Oliviera Salazar. Over the decades since it has been refashioned with new materials and an observation deck, auditorium and exhibition hall. Ascend and enjoy views of the Belém neighbourhood, including the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both of which actually date from the Age of Discovery.

Ahoy

The monument takes the form of a ship’s prow, with the figure of Duke Henrique the Navigator standing intrepidly on the ship’s edge. Behind him, to either side, stand 16 companions. They represent the great Portuguese of the era: an eclectic bunch of monarchs, cartographers, artists, scientists, and missionaries. All are looking forwards, suggesting a unified vision for Portugal. Beneath them is a huge marble and limestone compass mosaic which holds a world map showing the routes that Portuguese vessels took during the Age of Discovery.