Padrão dos Descobrimentos
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Padrão dos Descobrimentos - by Mark Lawson on Unsplash
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.
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
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:0h 25m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo