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Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Avenida Brasília, Lisboa, Lisboa

Description

Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries) celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery during the 15th-16th centuries. It consists of a 52m-high slab along the northern bank of the Tagus river estuary from where ships departed to explore new maritime routes then trade with India and the Orient. There are 33 statues on it such as that of Vasco da Gama or Henry the Navigator: 16 on each on the back and front plus the Infante on one side.

Access & Transport

The museum is along the river shore, next to the Jerónimos Monastery, in the Belem neighbourhood of Western Lisbon. Tram 15E and bus 729 stop 5-10mins walk away at 'Centro Cultural Belém' along Rua Bartolomeu Dias.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining this activity with the Tower of Belem, the Jerónimos Monastery and/or the Belém Contemporary Art Museum.

Meta review

Less well-known than the neighbouring attractions, online reviews are quite positive without being exceptional. Visitors enjoy the details of the various statues and mention the large plaza with a world map identifying the locations "discovered" by the Portuguese.

Environmental & Social

We deem this activity environmentally neutral.

Conclusion

The monument is the perfect opportunity to brush up your knowledge of Portuguese exploration and learn about some of its more preeminent figures. Worth a detour for those in the Belem area but not a dedicated journey from central Lisbon.

Key positive

Visually striking

Other visit-worthy attractions nearby

Key negative

Lacks historical background

Suitability

No restrictions to see from outside. Ther is a lift to the observation deck inside (ticket required)

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in October 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:0h 25m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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