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Padrao dos Descobrimentos Review

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Padrão dos Descobrimentos

  • Address: Av. de Brasília, Belém, Lisbon
  • Phone: 21/303-1950

Fodor's Review:

The white, monolithic Monument of the Discoveries was erected in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. It was built on what was the departure point for many voyages of discovery, including those of Vasco da Gama for India and—during Spain's occupation of Portugal—of the Spanish Armada for England in 1588. Henry is at the prow of the monument, facing the water; lined up behind him are the Portuguese explorers of Brazil and Asia, as well as other national heroes, including Luís de Camões the poet, who can be recognized by the book in his hand. On the ground adjacent to the monument, an inlaid map shows the extent of the explorations undertaken by the 15th- and 16th-century Portuguese sailors. Walk inside and take the elevator to the top for river views. There are also 15- and 30-minute films about Lisbon's history.

  • Cost: EUR 2.50; 15-min movie EUR 2, 30-min movie EUR 3
  • Open: Tues.-Sun. 10-7
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