Nestled along the banks of the Tagus River, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) celebrates the golden age of Portuguese history, paying tribute to the 15th and 16th-century explorers in grand fashion.
Follow the guide!
Overview:
A Brief History of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Visiting the Monument
Practical Information
💡 Insider Tips 💡
⭐ Top Tip: Free guided tour of the capital
💤 Accommodation: selection of value-for-money accommodation.
A Brief History of Lisbon’s Padrão dos Descobrimentos
1940
The First Version of the Monument
The first, temporary version of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos was conceived by architect José Angelo Cottinelli Telmo and sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida for the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition.
At that time, Portugal was under the rule of a conservative and nationalist regime , the Estado Novo led by Salazar, which governed from 1933 to 1974. This regime leaned heavily on the country’s glorious past, especially the era of the great discoveries, as a means of fostering national pride.
The original Padrão dos Descobrimentos was made from plaster, iron, and cement and was dismantled after the exhibition.
1960
The Second Version of the Monument
In the late 1950s, to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, the Portuguese government commissioned a permanent version of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos.
Inaugurated in 1960, this new Padrão dos Descobrimentos was constructed from cement, rose-hued stone from Leiria, and limestone from Sintra—the same materials used to build the nearby Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery.
1985
Renovation Work
In 1985, architect Fernando Ramalho spearheaded major renovations to the monument.
This included the addition of a panoramic observation deck, as well as a small auditorium and exhibition spaces. Today, these areas host the Discoveries Cultural Center, featuring both permanent and temporary exhibits dedicated to the history of Portuguese exploration.
Visiting the Padrão dos Descobrimentos in Lisbon
Head to the banks of the Tagus River, just steps from the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and you’ll spot the towering silhouette of the Monument to the Discoveries—it’s impossible to miss!
🤓 What exactly is a “Padrão”? 🤓
You might have noticed that the Monument to the Discoveries is called the Padrão dos Descobrimentos in Portuguese. But why padrão instead of the usual monumento?
Well, a padrão was a stone pillar, often topped with a cross and/or the Portuguese coat of arms, which explorers would erect on newly discovered lands to claim them for Portugal.
Over time, the padrão became a symbol of Portuguese exploration and the Age of Discoveries.
The Exterior of the Monument to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos
A Brief Description
Standing proudly along the Tagus River, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is an awe-inspiring sight
with its towering height of 56 meters (184 ft) . The monument is shaped like the bow of a caravel—the large sailing ships used by Portuguese explorers to chart unknown waters.
Three massive arches evoke the sails of these legendary Portuguese ships, and on either side of the monument, two ramps lined with 32 statues (16 on each side) lead up to the bow. At the very front stands a statue of Prince Henry the Navigator, holding a model of a caravel in his hands.
The 32 statues honor significant figures from the Age of Discoveries, including navigators, explorers, cartographers, kings, writers, and poets. Among them, you might recognize renowned figures like Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, Bartolomeu Dias, and the poet Luís de Camões.
On the north façade, flanking the staircase, you’ll find two inscriptions:
- “AO INFANTE D. HENRIQUE E AOS PORTUGUESES QUE DESCOBRIRAM OS CAMINHOS DO MAR” (To Prince Henry and the Portuguese who discovered the sea routes) above a marine anchor
- “NO V CENTENÁRIO DO INFANTE D. HENRIQUE 1460 – 1960” (On the fifth centenary of Prince Henry 1460–1960) above a laurel wreath
⚓ Henry the Navigator Who (Almost) Never Navigated! ⚓
Prince Henry of Portugal, famously known as Henry the Navigator, is a key figure in Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.
However, despite his title, he never actually led maritime expeditions himself or sailed the seas.
Nevertheless, his contribution to Portuguese exploration was pivotal—Henry was a visionary leader who sparked and supported many of the great voyages that opened up new routes and territories for Portugal.
The Compass Rose
While it’s natural to look up and admire the towering Monument to the Discoveries, don’t forget to cast your eyes downward!
At the foot of the monument, the colorful pavement displays a massive compass rose, with a map at its center illustrating the sea routes taken by Portuguese explorers.
Designed by Cristino da Silva, this impressive wind rose—50 meters (165 ft) in diameter—was a gift from the South African government.
🤓 Padrão dos Descobrimentos by the Numbers 🤓
- 56 meters (184 ft) tall (the panoramic terrace is 54 meters (177 ft) above ground), 20 meters (66 ft) wide, and 46 meters (151 ft) long
- The statue of Henry the Navigator stands 9 meters (29.5 ft) tall, while the 32 other statues are 7 meters (23 ft) high
- The wind rose spans 50 meters (165 ft) in diameter, with the map at the center measuring 14 meters (46 ft) across
Inside the Padrão dos Descobrimentos
The exploration doesn’t stop at the base of the monument! The interior of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is open to visitors, offering access to a small auditorium, exhibition halls, and, most notably, a panoramic terrace with breathtaking views over the Tagus River and the Belém district below.
The Discoveries Cultural Center
Housed within the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the Discoveries Cultural Center features both permanent and temporary exhibitions dedicated to the Portuguese Age of Discoveries. It’s a small but fascinating space that adds depth to the monument’s historical significance.
Panoramic Terrace
An elevator inside the monument takes visitors up to the panoramic terrace on the 6th floor (though there’s also a staircase if you’re up for a bit of a workout!).
At the top, the views are simply stunning: you’ll have a sweeping panorama of the Tagus River, the 25th of April Bridge, and the Belém neighborhood, including the iconic Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.
Practical Information
How to Get to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is located in the Belém district, just a short walk from the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, about 6-7 kilometers (roughly 4 miles) west of central Lisbon.
The monument is easily accessible by public transport:
- Tram: Line 15E to the Belém-Jeronimos stop
- Bus: Lines 728, 729, 714, and 727 to the Belém stop
- Train: Cascais line from Cais do Sodré station to Belém station, followed by a 10-minute walk
👍 Insider Tip 👍
Hop-on hop-off tourist buses also stop near the monument. These are very convenient for exploring the capital and its iconic monuments, especially if you want to avoid walking long distances or if you are traveling with children.
Included in your ticket is an audio guide, available in several languages, which provides engaging narratives and interesting tidbits throughout your visit!
Opening Hours of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is open:
- October to February: Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM)
- March to September: Open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM (last entry at 6:30 PM)
The site is closed on January 1st, May 1st, December 24th, 25th, and 31st.
Ticket Prices for the Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Ticket prices are as follow:
| Exhibition Halls + Panoramic Terrace | Exhibition Halls Only | |
| Full price | € 10 | € 5 |
| Youth (ages 13-25) | € 5 | € 2,50 |
| Seniors (65+) visitors with disabilities | € 8,50 | € 4,30 |
| Children (under 12) | Free | Free |
👍 Insider Tip 👍
The Lisboa Card grants unlimited access to public transportation and free entry to 39 attractions, including the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, National Tile Museum, and Santa Justa Lift.
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