Padrão dos Descobrimentos, Lisbon
Monument in Lisbon
Standing proudly on the waterfront of Belém, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) is a stone caravel frozen mid-voyage on the banks of the Tagus. Its prow is led by Prince Henry the Navigator, followed by a line of explorers, monarchs, cartographers, and chroniclers who helped shape Portugal's maritime empire. Today, the monument is one of the must-see places in Lisbon if you are interested in the country's seafaring past, and the panorama from the top terrace is a thrilling way to understand how the river, Belém Tower, and Jerónimos Monastery all fit together.
At 52 metres high, the structure is both sculpture and lookout point. Originally conceived in 1940 for the “Exposition of the Portuguese World,” it was later rebuilt in stone and inaugurated in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of Prince Henry's death. The bold lines of the caravel-shaped monument contrast beautifully with the soft limestone of Belém, and a compass rose and world map at its feet sketch out the routes of Portuguese voyages. It is a highlight of any walking tour of Lisbon, especially when combined with the nearby monastery, tower, and a stop for pastéis de nata.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of Padrão dos Descobrimentos
- Things to See and Do in Padrão dos Descobrimentos
- How to Get to Padrão dos Descobrimentos
- Practical Tips on Visiting Padrão dos Descobrimentos
- Where to Stay close to Padrão dos Descobrimentos
- Is Padrão dos Descobrimentos Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Padrão dos Descobrimentos
- Nearby Attractions to Padrão dos Descobrimentos
History and Significance of Padrão dos Descobrimentos
The story of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos begins with the 1940 “Exposition of the Portuguese World,” organised by the Salazar regime to celebrate both the founding of Portugal in 1140 and its restoration in 1640. For this event, a temporary monument in the shape of a caravel was erected on the Belém waterfront as a tribute to the Age of Discoveries. Its success, and the desire for a more lasting symbol, led to the decision to rebuild it as a permanent structure two decades later. In 1960, a new version in reinforced concrete and stone was inaugurated to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Prince Henry the Navigator's death.
Architect Cottinelli Telmo designed the monument, while sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida created the powerful sculptural group. Prince Henry stands at the prow holding a model of a caravel, followed by 32 key figures from the 15th and 16th centuries, including King Afonso V, Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral, and Ferdinand Magellan. The composition is deliberately theatrical, suggesting a forward surge as if the ship is cutting through the Tagus, carrying Portugal’s ambitions outward to Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
The monument is deeply symbolic. One facade, facing inland, takes the form of a cross bearing the Sword of the Order of Aviz, one of the religious-military orders that funded and supported early voyages. Beneath it lies a vast compass rose and world map, laid out in marble, showing the main routes of Portuguese exploration and the dates of key discoveries. Together, the sculpted figures, caravel form, and ground-level map turn the Padrão into a three-dimensional narrative of the Discoveries: who voyaged, where they went, and how the state framed those feats in the 20th century.
Things to See and Do in Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Most visitors begin at the riverside plaza, taking in the monument’s dramatic profile against the Tagus. This is the best place to admire the caravel shape and the long procession of statues, which are split along the two sides of the “ship.” It is worth walking around the base slowly, identifying figures on both sides and noting how the sculptor differentiated each character through posture, clothing, and attributes like charts, weapons, or religious symbols. The interplay of light and shadow on the limestone, especially in the late afternoon, gives the whole ensemble a sense of movement.
Just in front of the monument, set into the pavement, lies the large compass rose and world map gifted by South Africa in 1960. The map is a playful but informative way to trace the Portuguese routes to Brazil, India, Africa, and the Far East, marked with little ships and dates. It is popular with visitors who like to find their home country or follow the steps of Vasco da Gama and Magellan, and it makes a great backdrop for photos with the monument towering behind you.
Inside, you can visit temporary exhibitions that often focus on maritime themes, cartography, or Portuguese history, and then take the elevator (plus a short flight of stairs) up to the viewing platform. From the top, you get one of the top sights in Lisbon: a wide-angle view over the Tagus, the 25 de Abril Bridge, Cristo Rei on the opposite bank, and the Belém riverfront with Jerónimos Monastery and the formal gardens spread out behind it. On clear days, it is easy to see why this stretch of river became the natural gateway for voyages heading out into the Atlantic.
How to Get to Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Padrão dos Descobrimentos is located in the Belém district, a few kilometres west of central Lisbon along the Tagus riverfront. Most international travellers will arrive via Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, which has extensive European and intercontinental connections. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Lisbon on Booking.com. From the airport, you can take the metro into town and then switch to tram, bus, or train to reach Belém, or use a taxi or rideshare directly.
If you are coming by train, long-distance services from elsewhere in Portugal typically arrive at Oriente or Santa Apolónia stations, both linked to Lisbon’s metro network.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From central Lisbon, you can reach Belém by taking the Cascais suburban train from Cais do Sodré to Belém station, or by using tram 15E and a number of buses that follow the riverside. The walk from Belém station to the monument is straightforward, passing under the main road via pedestrian tunnels or footbridges.
Travelling by car, you'll follow the riverside road west out of central Lisbon towards Belém, with several car parks and on-street spaces in the area, though these can fill up at peak times and weekends.If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Many visitors find that using public transport avoids parking stress, especially when combining Padrão dos Descobrimentos with nearby attractions like Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, which are all linked by tram and bus routes.
Practical Tips on Visiting Padrão dos Descobrimentos
- Suggested tips: Combine your visit with Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower to make the most of your time in the district, and check the weather forecast as the viewpoint is open-air and exposed to wind and sun.
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon offers warm light on the statues and often slightly shorter queues for the lift; early morning is quieter and cooler in high summer.
- Entrance fee: Adults: €10
- Opening hours: October–February: daily 10:00–18:00 (last admission 17:30); March–September: daily 10:00–19:00 (last admission 18:30); closed 1 January, 1 May, 24–25 and 31 December.
- Official website: https://www.padraodosdescobrimentos.pt/
- How long to spend: Around 45-90 minutes is enough for photos outside, a look at the exhibition, and time on the viewing platform.
- Accessibility: There is an elevator to the upper levels, but a short set of stairs is still required to reach the very top; the riverside area is generally flat and manageable for most visitors.
- Facilities: There is no onsite café, but you will find toilets inside the monument and plenty of cafés and bakeries nearby along the Belém waterfront.
- Photography tip: Bring a wide-angle lens for the full sweep of the monument from the riverfront and use the viewpoint to capture Jerónimos, Belém Tower, and the bridge in one frame.
- Guided tours: Consider joining a Belém walking tour that includes the monument, as guides can help identify the sculpted figures and explain the political and historical context of its construction.
- Nearby food options: You are only a short walk from Pastéis de Belém and many other cafés, making it easy to schedule your visit around a coffee and custard tart stop.
Where to Stay close to Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Staying near Belém lets you enjoy the riverside and major monuments before the tour buses arrive and after they leave. For a luxurious stay right on the waterfront, Altis Belém Hotel & Spa offers contemporary rooms with Tagus views, a spa, and easy access to both the monument and Belém Tower on foot. If you prefer something with a more historic atmosphere, NAU Palácio do Governador occupies a former governor's palace and blends archaeological remains with modern comfort, just a pleasant riverside stroll from Padrão dos Descobrimentos. A more mid-range option is Hotel Jerónimos 8, next to Jerónimos Monastery and within walking distance of the monument, making it easy to structure your day around Belém's main sights.
Is Padrão dos Descobrimentos Worth Visiting?
Yes, Padrão dos Descobrimentos is absolutely worth including in your Lisbon itinerary, especially if you are already planning to explore Belém. The monument's bold design, intricate sculpture, and powerful symbolism make it far more than just a photo stop, while the panoramic views from the top give you a unique perspective on the Tagus, the bridge, and the great monuments of Belém. For many travellers, the combination of history, storytelling, and scenery makes this one of the best places to visit in Lisbon when trying to piece together the legacy of the Age of Discoveries.
What Other Travellers Say...
Monument to the Discoveries on Av. Brasília in Belém is a large, waterfront monument commemorating Portugal's era of exploration; visitors praise its impressive scale, detailed sculpture and riverside setting, note a huge historic world map set into the pavement in front, and recommend climbing to the top for panoramic views of Belém, the Jerónimos Monastery and the river (there's also a small museum inside), though lines can be long on busy days.
FAQs for Visiting Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Nearby Attractions to Padrão dos Descobrimentos
- Jerónimos Monastery: Magnificent Manueline monastery and church that served as a spiritual anchor for Portugal's voyages and now houses royal and national tombs.
- Belém Tower: Historic riverside fortress and UNESCO-listed landmark that once guarded the entrance to the Tagus and now offers atmospheric river views.
- MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology: Contemporary museum in a striking riverside building, with rotating exhibitions and a rooftop walkway.
- Museu de Marinha (Maritime Museum): Extensive collection of ship models, navigational instruments, and maritime artefacts charting Portugal’s seafaring history.
- Pastéis de Belém bakery: Iconic pastry shop serving the original custard tarts, perfect for rounding off a day exploring Belém’s monuments.
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lisbon!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
October-February: daily 10:00-18:00 (last admission 17:30);
March-September: daily 10:00-19:00 (last admission 18:30); closed 1 January, 1 May, 24-25 and 31 December.
Adults: €10
Nearby Attractions
- Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (0.5) km
Monastery - Torre de Belém (0.9) km
Tower - Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência (5.5) km
Museum - Teatro Nacional de São Carlos (5.8) km
Theatre - Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara (5.9) km
Viewing Point - Carmo Convent (6.0) km
Convent - Elevador de Santa Justa (6.1) km
Viewing Point - Praça do Rossio (6.2) km
Square - Arco da Rua Augusta (6.2) km
Historic Building and Viewing Point - Lisbon Cathedral (6.6) km
Cathedral
