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must-visit in LisbonSquare & Landmark

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

📍 Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
1 photos
4.6/ 5.0
★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location
Portugal, Lisbon
Category
Square & Landmark
Duration
1 hour
Address
Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
Coordinates
38.7251, -9.1498

Introduction

The Padrao dos Descobrimentos rises on the Tagus waterfront in Belem, Lisbon, unveiled in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. The monument takes the shape of a caravel ready to sail: Henry stands at the prow with a small vessel in hand, flanked by 32 figures of the Age of Discovery — Vasco da Gama, Magellan, Camoes and more — carved in stone. Before it, a vast world map inlaid in the plaza marks the dates Portuguese mariners reached each shore. A lift carries you to the rooftop terrace for views over Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery and the 25 de Abril bridge, best an hour before sunset.

✨ Highlights

1
The Caravel Monument
Henry at the prow with 32 stone figures of the Discoveries.
2
The Map Plaza
A giant mosaic world map dated with each landfall.
3
Rooftop Terrace
Lift up for Belem Tower, the monastery and the bridge.
4
Tagus Sunsets
Golden water and the monument's silhouette at dusk.

🛈 Practical Info

→Duration：About 1 hour including the rooftop.
→Best Time：Ride up an hour before sunset.
→Nearby：Walk on to Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery.
→Ticket Information：Exterior and plaza free; the viewing platform is ticketed.
→Transportation：5 minutes on foot from tram 15E Belem stop.

💡 Tips

• It is windy on top — mind hats and phones.
• Find your country's date on the mosaic map.
• Winter light fades by 5 pm — order your stops.
• A riverside bike lane links the monument and the tower.
• Weekends bring riverside markets and buskers.

FAQ

How much is the admission for Padrão dos Descobrimentos?

Exterior and plaza free; the viewing platform is ticketed.

Any practical tips for visiting Padrão dos Descobrimentos?

It is windy on top — mind hats and phones. Find your country's date on the mosaic map.

How long should I spend at Padrão dos Descobrimentos?

A typical visit takes 1 hour.

Hours and prices may change; see the official monument website.