The Monument to Discoveries, or Padrão dos Descobrimentos in Portuguese, is located on the banks of the Tagus River in Belém, a quiet district just a few miles west of Lisbon’s city center.
The imposing monument was built in 1940 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Enrique “The Navigator.” It’s designed to look like the prow of a Portuguese caravel and pays tributes to the navigators, explorers, artists, cartographers, and monarchs of the 15th century who played a crucial role in the Age of Discovery (including Vasco da Gama and Magellan).
It’s a great spot for photos along Lisbon’s famous river, but is it worth visiting? We think so, and here’s why!
Monument to the Discoveries Viewpoint
Most tourists visit the Monument to the Discoveries and view it from the ground up, but few seem to know that there’s a fantastic viewpoint at the top you can access!
From there, you get a different view of not only the Tagus River but also the 25 de Abril Bridge and its surroundings, such as the nearby Belém Tower. On a sunny day, the view can transport you to the Golden Age of maritime discoveries in Portugal.
From this viewpoint, you also get a better view of the compass rose below. It shows the navigation routes taken during the Portuguese exploratory voyages. You can also see some commemorative inscriptions of those momentous events.
The Monument to the Discoveries is 56 meters tall, meaning it’s a great spot for photographers looking to take photos of Lisbon and Belém from unique angles. It also has an auditorium that holds temporary exhibitions if you’re interested in learning more about the history of the monument.
How to Get to the Monument to the Discoveries
If you’re visiting the Monument to the Discoveries from the center of Lisbon, there are a few simple ways to get there.
| Tram | The most common way to get to Belém and the Monument to the Discoveries is by taking the tram. Take the 15E tram from Praça da Figueira to Belem and get off at the Monasterio Jerónimos stop. From there, it’s about a 3-5 minute walk across the street. You can also get off at the Belém stop to enjoy the neighborhood before visiting the monument. |
| Train or Bus | Our preferred way to get to Belém is by train. It’s the quickest and cheapest, and you can catch the train from the Cais Do Sodré station. Buses also leave from just outside the train station (in front of the Time Out Market), but they take a bit longer to reach Belém. Look for lines 714, 727, and 728. |
| Walking | If you prefer a more active option, try walking to Belém! It’ll take at least an hour, or up to two, depending on your pace, but it’s a scenic route along the river, and it’ll take you past Lisbon’s docks and the famous MAAT (which is definitely worth visiting). |
| Bicycle | If you’re feeling adventurous, Lisbon has a public bike rental system called GIRA, which you can find by viewing the official GIRA Map online to see all available stations and bikes or by using the GIRA Mobile App (available on Google Play). Pedal along the riverbank as you head towards the monument — just leave time to stop for photos! |
The Monument to the Discoveries is located in the same place where expeditions departed in the past, creating a unique historical connection with the maritime history of Portugal.
Places Near the Monument to the Discoveries
You only need about 30 minutes to explore the Monument to the Discoveries, which leaves you with plenty of time to explore the nearby attractions in Belém — of which there are many! Here are the top sights you can’t miss.
| Belém Tower | Located a few steps from the Monument to the Discoveries, this 16th-century fortification is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also positioned strategically at the mouth of the Tagus River, it served as a defensive tower and symbol of the Age of Discovery. |
| Jerónimos Monastery | This majestic monastery is also a magnificent example of the Portuguese Manueline style. Built in the 16th century, it stands out for its impressively intricate details and history. It’s also now the resting place of Vasco da Gamma and Luís de Camões. |
| National Museum of Archeology | Located inside the Jerónimos Monastery, you’ll find an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, such as Egyptian, Roman, and medieval objects as well as nautical treasures spanning from prehistory to the Middle Ages. |
| Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) | If you’re heading to Belém, you might as well stop at this unique avant-garde institution that fuses contemporary art, innovative architecture, and technology. Located on the riverbanks, its impressive design is an attraction in itself. |
| Pastéis de Belém | This traditional pastry shop in Lisbon is famous for the emblematic “Pastéis de Belém.” Founded in 1837, it has kept the recipe for these delicious delicacies secret for generations. They really are worth the hype, and the line moves very quickly! |
| Belém Cultural Center (CCB) | This unique cultural center is about 10-15 minutes walking distance from the Monument to the Discoveries. Depending on when you’re visiting, you might catch a show at the Performing Arts Centre or see a cool exhibition at the Exhibition Centre. |
| Empire Square Garden | Very close to the monument (like literally right across the street!), you’ll find a nice and quiet garden also inspired by Manueline architecture (which makes sense since it’s right in from the the monastery, too). |
| Lisbon Earthquake Museum | Also known as Quake, this museum commemorates the devastating earthquake of 1755. It also features a unique earthquake simulator that recounts the events of the tragedy in literal motion. Note that due to the simulation, children under 6 are not allowed. |
| Navy Planetarium | Looking for something nice to do indoors? Behind the Jerónimos Monastery is Lisbon’s planetarium, a great stop for travelers who love learning about the history of the skies or for those with smaller children. |
Monument to the Discoveries Opening Hours
Plan your Lisbon itinerary properly by ensuring you visit the Monument to the Discoveries when it’s actually open. For example, we went once in November and didn’t realize that it’s closed on Mondays.
OPENING HOURS
| November to January | 10:00 – 18:00 | From Tuesday to Sunday | Closed every Monday Last entry: | 30 minutes before closing time |
| February and October | 10:00 – 18:00 | Every day Last entry: | 30 minutes before closing time |
| March to September | 10:00 – 19:00 | Every day Last entry: | 30 minutes before closing time |
| Closed | January 1 | May 1 | December 24, 25 and 31 |
For a quieter experience and to avoid crowds, we recommend visiting during the morning or early afternoon. This way, you can make the most of your tour. The same goes for nearby attractions such as the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery.
Monument to the Discoveries Price
How much does it cost to enter the Monument to the Discoveries? Currently, it’s 10 euros for adults wishing to access the interior exhibition, view the short historical film, and go up to the viewpoint.
If you only want to enter the exhibition, adult tickets are 5 euros each. For either option, discounts are available to certain groups, and children 12 and under get in free! The prices below are for travelers interested in the full experience that includes the viewpoint.
MONUMENT TO THE DISCOVERIES PRICES 2024
| Adults | €10.00 |
| Over 65 years old | €8.50 |
| People with disabilities | €8.50 |
| Youth 13-25 years | €5.00 |
| Children 0-12 years old | FREE |
It’s worth noting that you can purchase combined tickets to visit various Belém attractions or get the Lisbon Card for free entry to 39 museums, monuments, and places of interest (along with unlimited public transportation!).
