Landmark of the Discoveries

Most visited monument in Lisbon

Parish of Belém

To the Glory of the Navigators
Monument to the glory of the Discoverers, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is another must-visit in Lisbon. This monument is also referred to as Monument to the Discoverers and Monument to the Navigators.

The original monument dates from 1940. However, it was rebuilt in 1960, on the occasion of the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the death of the Infant D. Henrique.


Guia de Lisboa
Landmark of the Discoveries © Rui Morais de Sousa / Images Of Portugal



Most visited monument in Lisbon

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is one of the most visited monuments in Lisbon, in addition to the Monastery of Jeronimos, a Belem Tower and the Castelo de São Jorge


Discoveries, door to the modern world

All in concrete and stone masonry from Leiria, with sculptures in limestone masonry from Sintra. In 1985 it undergoes a new transformation and is inaugurated as the Cultural Center of Discoveries. The architect Fernando Ramalho remodeled the interior of the monument, providing it with a belvedere, an auditorium and exhibition rooms.


Tribute to Infante Dom Henrique

In its current configuration, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, by Cottinelli Telmo and sculptures by Leopoldo de Almeida, is a tribute to Infante Dom Henrique de Sagres for his valuable contribution to the Portuguese maritime expansion in the world.

Other important Portuguese navigators are immortalized in the monument.


Dom Henrique de Sagres, the Navigator

Popularly known (and by history books) as Infante Dom Henrique de Sagres, his exact name is Infante Dom Henrique de Avis, first Duke of Viseu and first lord of Covilhã.


Caravel of the Order of Christ, used in the Discoveries © / illustration
Caravel of the Order of Christ, used in the Discoveries © / illustration



Born in the city of Porto, on March 4, 1394, the fifth son of King Dom João I and Filipa de Lencastre. Henry IV of England was his maternal uncle. Creator and author of the Conquest of Ceuta (1415), he was also administrator of the Order of Christ or Order of the Knights of Christ.

Sagres School

His death occurred in the city of Sagres (Algarve), on November 13, 1460). Creator of the famous Escola de Sagres, which perhaps did not exist, the Infante Dom Henrique was a character of the first magnitude at the beginning of Age of Discovery. Popularly, he became known as Infante de Sagres or The Navigator.

His remains are buried in the Batalha Monastery.


Padrão dos Descobrimentos, Freguesia de Belém, Lisboa © Google Earth Pro
Landmark of the Discoveries, Parish of Belém, Lisbon © Google Earth Pro



How to get there

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is located in the Parish of Belém, 8.5 km west of the Sé (Cathedral) of Lisbon. The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is by private car. In this mode of transport the route takes about 20 minutes.

By public transport, it is advisable to take one of the following buses: 727, 28, 729, 714 or 751. in about 45 minutes.

If you prefer to use the tram (tram), take tram number 15.

Official Link

• Official Link: Landmark of the Discoveries


Lisbon Top Attractions

Monastery of Jeronimos,


Belem Tower,


Castelo de São Jorge






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