This massive stone pillar ("padrao") along the bank of the Tagus river is adorned with huge stone figures of Portuguese historical figures and imagery from the "Age of Discovery", c. early 1400s to early 1600s. While impressive in size and scale, it is of no particular historical significance, having been designed and constructed in 1958-60 as a replacement for a temporary version that was built in 1939-40 for an exhibition. The redesigned project was supposed to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, the patron of the Portuguese "Age of Discovery." Like many monuments erected by the "Estado Novo" under Salazar, it romanticizes historical Portuguese monarchs, explorers, artists, and missionaries. It is interesting to see and take some photos here, but it doesn't take more than about 20 minutes to take it in. You should plan to see some of the more historical sites nearby at the same time, such as the Torre de Belem and the Jeronimos Monastery.

This monument is instantly recognizable and should be a stop if you’re in the Belem area. It is a short walk from the Jeronimos Monastery that includes going through an underground passageway to cross a busy street. On the outside, it’s pretty easy to take pictures from either side depending on where the sun is. To visit the inside of the monument, tickets can be bought online or onsite. There was only a short line to get in during our November afternoon visit. While an elevator takes you most of the way to the top deck, there are still 40+ steps you need to climb. From the top deck, you get very nice views, including of the Jeronimos Monastery. The top deck is not covered though in case of bad weather. There is a men’s toilet in the basement by the exhibition area and a women’s toilet on the second floor.

Don't miss this monument – it’s absolutely stunning! The statue, built in the 1940s, features incredibly detailed sculpted figures. You can walk around the monument and sit by the river to enjoy the beautiful views. There’s also a map on the square showing the discovery route. It’s just a 5-10 minute walk from the Belém Tower, so be sure to add it to your itinerary! The museum inside was closed during our visit, but it’s still definitely worth a stop to admire the incredible art.

We went in February so unfortunately at this time of year you cannot go inside the monument but can still enjoy in all its glory from the outside ! It is absolutely huge you cannot understand the scale until you see it the people are massive. Great views while you are there across the river looking over at the Christ statue and the bridge

After walking along the embankment from the Belem Tower, we came to this majestic monument. Against the backdrop of the blue sky and the Tagus it looks monumental. There is a beautiful panel on the square in front of it, best viewed from the viewing platform at the top of the monument. It turned out that admission is free with a Lisbon card, so we happily took the high-speed elevator to the top. Views of the river, bridge and statue of Christ and the entire area with the monastery and stadium. There was no queue - everyone was standing in a crowd in Jeronimos. We were very pleased with the sights in Lisbon, where there are no crowds or queues. Would I pay 10 euros without a Lisbon card? I am not sure. But if you have this option, be sure to go up - the bridge, landing planes and beautiful views are worth spending 30 minutes of time on. There is also a free toilet and drinks machines.

It commemorates the Portuguese Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries. The monument is located along the same route that ships took to explore and trade with India and the Orient. It was originally built as a temporary structure for the 1940 World Exhibition to celebrate the achievements of explorers during the Age of Discoveries. It was demolished after the exhibition closed, but then rebuilt in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, a key figure in the Age of Discovery. The monument is 170 feet tall and features a central statue of Henry the Navigator surrounded by statues of other famous explorers, such as Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Pedro Álvares Cabral. The monument also includes a large ship at its base that represents the caravels used by the explorers. One can get to the top of the monument using elevator and/or stairs for a fee, to get great views of the surroundings. It is not be missed while in the Belém district of Lisbon. Please do view both sides of the monument for the complete architectural details.

Like many tourist attractions in Lisboa, there is a queue here! But after a short time with queuing you could comfortably take the elevator to the observation deck. There is a great view of the Mosteiro do Jeronimo unobstructed and you only understand the dimension of the monastery up here. The view wanders along the Tagus River to the Torre de Belem, from the west of the sea to the east towards the city centre. Because of the many tourists who unfortunately are completely inappropriate on the wind rose and the world map, only the tourists can see heads and bellies... The monument pays homage to the great Portuguese explorers. It's very nicely done. The front can only be seen from the Tagus, as the monument cannot be circumnavigated.

It is located near the tower of Belém and is a monument commemorating the time of the Portuguese discoveries in the 15th century that was initially made in wood and plaster in 1940 for the world fair but was disarmed. Around 1960 it was already made of limestone as we see it today to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator. It attracts a lot of attention because it is shaped like a Portuguese caravel and several important figures are seen from side and side but the infant Dom Hemrique (Henry the Navigator) goes first. On the left side are Alfonso V of Portugal, Vasco da Gama, Pedro Alvares Cabral, Fernando de Magallanes, Nicolau Coelho, Gaspar Corte Real, Martim Afonso de Sousa, João de Barros, Estevão da Gama, Bartolomeu Dias, Diogo Cão, António de Abreu, Afonso de Albuquerque, San Francisco Xavier and Cristovão da Gama who are the navigators. On the right side are Fernando son of King João I, João Gonçalves Zarco, Pêro de Alenquer, Gil Eanes, Pedro Nunes, Pêro Escobar, Jácome de Mallorca, Pêro da Covilhã, Gomes Eanes de Zurara, Nuno Gonçalves, Luis de Camões, Enrique de Coimbra, Gonçalo de Carvalho, Fernão Mendes Pinto, Philippa de Lancaster and Infante Pedro son of King João I. It has some showrooms and you can climb to the top from where you have a spectacular view of the Tagus River, the rose of the winds, the tower of Belém and the monastery of the Jerónimos

OUTRAGEOUS! A magnificent monument in which you expect to see these bold discoveries put into perspective by courageous adventurers. The detail of the beautiful mosaic map outside the memorial. Not at all! Not a word, not a portrat, not a card, not a comment. Another victim of the Wokist inquisition! This monument is often tagged by a posteriori anticolonialists. One Portuguese Socialist Member even proposed that it be demolished. But the city contributes to this victim contrition by organizing only an exhibition on photos of black families. This is to confuse the magnificent epic of creation, invention, the thirst for learning, discoveries, and the use that some may have made of them (which also requires, of course, a duty of memory). Let us never forget that Nobel is the inventor of dynamite. Do we spit on the famous annual endowments? How is Enstein guilty because his discoveries also led to the atomic bomb and its tens of thousands of victims? Should we also burn Steve Jobs because billions of people spend their lives filming themselves on their phones instead of being interested in their next one?

This was stunning and unique. Right on the water with beautiful views. You can go up top I guess but it was several euros and didn’t seem worth it. Many food stalls nearby where you can sit and enjoy food and drink. Recommend stopping at a wine stall - where they tell you about the wine and even offer to take your picture.