Name: Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
Telephone: 21 303 1950
Rating: 4.6

Statue built in 1940 and made permanent in 1960 to mark 500 years since Henry the Navigator's death.

: Exploring Lisbon's Age of Discoveries: Belém's Historical Tapestry

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The last admission to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is 30 minutes before closing time, so plan your visit accordingly.

Last Admission Time

A typical visit to the exhibit rooms inside the monument takes around 20 minutes.

Exhibit Room Visit Time

Enjoy the panoramic views from the viewing platform for about 15 minutes.

Viewing Platform Visit Time

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is constructed from the same limestone used for the Torre de Belém and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, creating a cohesive architectural style in the Belém district.

Shared Building Material

The monument's design incorporates many clever artistic features and hidden symbolism, waiting to be discovered by curious visitors.

Artistic Features

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is easily accessible by public transportation, with tram and bus stops near the Belém Tower.

Accessible Location

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a monument in Lisbon, Portugal, stands as a testament to the country's Age of Discovery. Inaugurated in 1960, it commemorates the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, a key figure in Portugal's maritime explorations. The monument, designed by José Ângelo Cottinelli Telmo and Leopoldo de Almeida, is a striking representation of a caravel, a ship used by Portuguese explorers. At its prow stands the figure of Henry the Navigator, holding a model of a caravel. Along the ramps leading to the prow are 33 statues representing significant figures from the Age of Discovery, including explorers, cartographers, missionaries, and artists. The monument offers panoramic views of the Tagus River and the surrounding Belém neighborhood, including the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery.

Introduction

Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a monument in Lisbon, Portugal, is a potent symbol of the country's maritime past and its cultural expression. Constructed during the Estado Novo regime, it embodies the glorification of Portuguese nationalism and the romanticization of the "Era of Great Discoveries." However, this narrative has been challenged in recent years, with critics highlighting the monument's omission of the darker aspects of colonialism, such as the exploitation and enslavement of indigenous peoples.

The monument has become a site of cultural contestation, with graffiti and protests drawing attention to the need for a more inclusive and critical understanding of Portugal's history. It has also been the subject of artistic interventions, such as the 2017 Cycle of Exhibitions Testimonies of Slavery, which aimed to shed light on the experiences of enslaved Africans during the colonial era.

The ongoing debate surrounding Padrão dos Descobrimentos reflects Portugal's grappling with its colonial past and its efforts to come to terms with the complexities of its cultural heritage. The monument serves as a reminder of the power of cultural expression in shaping historical narratives and the importance of critical engagement with the past to foster a more just and equitable society.

Cultural Expression

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a magnificent monument in Lisbon, Portugal, stands as a testament to the country's rich maritime history and architectural prowess. Conceived as a temporary structure for the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition, it was later rebuilt in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Henry the Navigator's death. The monument's design is a masterpiece of monumental architecture, blending elements of Portuguese Gothic and Manueline styles.

At 170 feet tall, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos resembles the prow of a caravel, the type of ship used by Portuguese explorers during the Age of Discovery. Its prow is adorned with 33 larger-than-life figures, representing significant individuals from Portugal's maritime history, including Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan. The monument's base features an intricate mosaic compass, a gift from South Africa, symbolizing Portugal's role as a global maritime power.

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos offers visitors a unique perspective on Lisbon's waterfront and the surrounding cityscape. Its observation deck provides panoramic views of the Tagus River, the Belém Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery. The monument's interior houses a cultural center with exhibition spaces, an auditorium, and a restaurant, making it a vibrant hub for cultural and educational activities.

As a monument to Portugal's maritime heritage and architectural ingenuity, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos stands as a symbol of the country's enduring legacy as a seafaring nation. Its monumental scale, intricate details, and historical significance make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in the intersection of architecture and history.

Monumental Architecture

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a monument in Lisbon, Portugal, stands as a tribute to the Portuguese Age of Discovery during the 15th and 16th centuries. Its unique design, resembling the prow of a caravel ship, symbolizes the maritime explorations undertaken by Portuguese navigators. The monument features 33 statues representing significant figures from this era, including explorers like Vasco da Gama and Pedro Álvares Cabral, as well as King Henry the Navigator, who played a pivotal role in sponsoring these voyages.

One of the remarkable aspects of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is its viewing platform, which offers panoramic vistas of the Tagus River and the surrounding cityscape. Visitors can ascend to the platform via an elevator or stairs, providing a breathtaking perspective of Lisbon's landmarks, including the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery.

Beyond its historical significance, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos also houses an exhibition center that showcases artifacts and documents related to the Age of Discovery. This immersive experience allows visitors to delve deeper into the motivations, challenges, and achievements of the Portuguese explorers. The monument's symbolic representation of Portugal's maritime heritage and its captivating views make it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a profound understanding of this pivotal era in world history.

Tourist Attraction

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos in Lisbon, Portugal, stands as a testament to the Portuguese Age of Discovery, a period of profound exploration and maritime expansion. This iconic monument, inaugurated in 1960, commemorates the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, a pivotal figure in Portugal's exploration endeavors.

The monument's design is a striking representation of a caravel, the type of ship used by Portuguese explorers to navigate the vast oceans. At its helm stands Prince Henry, holding a model of a caravel, leading a procession of 32 other figures representing notable individuals from the Age of Discovery. Among them are renowned explorers like Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral, and Ferdinand Magellan, as well as cartographers, artists, and scientists who contributed to Portugal's maritime achievements.

The monument's location on the northern bank of the Tagus River holds historical significance, as it was from this point that many Portuguese expeditions set sail. At its base lies a large marble wind rose, a gift from South Africa, depicting the routes taken by Portuguese explorers during the Age of Discovery.

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos offers visitors an immersive experience. An elevator or staircase leads to a viewing platform atop the monument, providing breathtaking panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. Inside, an exhibition space showcases artifacts and documents related to the Age of Discovery, further enriching the visitor's understanding of this pivotal era in Portuguese history.

Age of Discovery

Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a monument in Lisbon, stands as a testament to Portugal's maritime prowess and its role in the Age of Discoveries. Built in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of Prince Henry the Navigator's death, the monument is a poignant reminder of Portugal's rich nautical history.

The monument's design is striking, resembling the prow of a ship pointing towards the sea. At its helm stands Prince Henry the Navigator, flanked by 32 figures representing notable Portuguese explorers, chroniclers, and mathematicians. Among them are Vasco da Gama, who discovered the sea route to India, and Ferdinand Magellan, who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe.

The monument's significance lies not only in its architectural grandeur but also in its symbolic value. It embodies Portugal's national pride and its enduring legacy as a maritime power. The monument serves as a reminder of the country's contributions to global exploration and its role in shaping the world map.

Beyond its historical significance, Padrão dos Descobrimentos is also a popular tourist destination. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument for panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. The surrounding area is home to several museums and cultural attractions, making it a hub for those interested in Portugal's maritime heritage.

As a symbol of national heritage, Padrão dos Descobrimentos stands as a tribute to Portugal's seafaring spirit and its enduring legacy as a maritime nation. It is a monument that evokes pride, inspires awe, and serves as a reminder of the country's significant contributions to the world's history.

National Heritage

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a striking monument in Lisbon, Portugal, stands as a testament to the nation's glorious maritime history. Built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Prince Henry the Navigator's death, this 170-foot-tall structure symbolizes Portugal's pivotal role in the Age of Discoveries. The monument's design resembles the prow of a ship, with Prince Henry leading a procession of 32 notable Portuguese figures from the 14th and 15th centuries. Among them are renowned explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, as well as the poet Luís de Camões. Visitors can ascend to the observation deck for panoramic views of Lisbon, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the Belém Tower. At the foot of the monument lies a magnificent compass rose mosaic, a gift from South Africa, symbolizing Portugal's global reach during the Age of Discoveries. The Padrão dos Descobrimentos not only commemorates Portugal's past but also serves as a reminder of the nation's enduring spirit of exploration and its significant contributions to world history.

Historical Landmark

Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a monument in Lisbon, Portugal, stands as a testament to the nation's maritime prowess and global influence during the Age of Discovery. Its symbolic artwork is a captivating blend of historical figures, allegorical representations, and intricate details that narrate the epic voyages and achievements of Portuguese explorers.

The monument's central figure is Prince Henry the Navigator, the driving force behind Portugal's early explorations. His statue, positioned at the prow of a stylized caravel, symbolizes his leadership and vision. Flanking him are 32 other figures, each representing a significant individual from the era, including navigators, cartographers, missionaries, and artists. These figures are depicted in dynamic poses, their expressions conveying determination, curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge.

The monument's design is replete with allegorical elements. The caravel, a symbol of Portuguese maritime exploration, represents the nation's pioneering spirit and its role in connecting different parts of the world. The two lateral ramps, leading up to the figure of Prince Henry, symbolize the paths taken by Portuguese explorers as they ventured into uncharted territories.

The monument's base features a large compass rose, inlaid with different types of limestone. It depicts the routes taken by Portuguese ships during the Age of Discovery, highlighting the global reach of their expeditions. The compass rose is a powerful symbol of navigation and exploration, representing the Portuguese explorers' ability to chart new courses and expand the boundaries of human knowledge.

Overall, Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a masterpiece of symbolic artwork that captures the spirit of Portugal's Age of Discovery. Through its intricate carvings, allegorical figures, and evocative design, the monument serves as a lasting tribute to the nation's maritime heritage and its enduring legacy as a global explorer.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

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