Rising near the banks of the Tagus River, is the Monument to the Discoverers, one of the most representative sculptural ensembles in Portugal. This was created to honor the maritime tradition of Portuguese sailors, and to enhance their incredible feats, which undoubtedly shaped the modern world. Do you want to know it? We invite you to continue reading!
For centuries, Portugal was the cradle of great sailors, who dominated not only the waters of the Atlantic, but also those of the entire world. Portuguese sailors were the first to explore the coasts of Japan and southern India, linking the Atlantic route with that of the Indian Ocean.
This story of brave adventurers, conquests and legends became part of the local culture, which is why even today Portugal is associated with its maritime past.
In addition, many explorers discovered and settled in new lands, so now, many Portuguese customs can be found on almost every continent.
These brave characters were the great Portuguese discoverers, and their memory, Monument to the Discoverers was founded in Lisbon.
This monument is located in Belém, very close to the Tagus River, the longest on the Iberian Peninsula. The construction is peculiar, as it is shaped like a caravel, a very popular type of ship during the Age of Discovery.
This caravel, of which only its front part is represented, has as a pillar the Sword of the Avís Dynasty, which reigned in Portugal for more than three centuries. On the sides, there are the Portuguese shields and on the lower bases, the statues of the discoverers, lined up in two rows.
The most famous of them all is Enrique the Navigator, who is leading both lines. Henry the Navigator was a Portuguese nobleman, a member of the royal family, who established many of the first Portuguese trade routes along the coasts of Africa.
Accompanying him are Alfonso V of Portugal, Lusitanian monarch, Vasco de Gama, prominent sailor and discoverer, Bartolomé Díaz, the first European to cross to India at the Cape of Good Hope, among others.
Similarly, the Monument to the Discoverers was built to commemorate the life of Henry the Navigator, although it had to be built on two different occasions. The first was during the 1940s, and then in the 1960s.
Since then, the Monument to the Discoverers has become one of the most visited tourist spots in Portugal, which cannot be missing from any travel itinerary.
Seeing this magnificent monument up close is an extraordinary experience, but that’s not all, since various exhibitions are also held in its basement, many of them dedicated to Portuguese culture.
Likewise, the Monument to the Discoverers is open almost all year round, although its hours vary according to the season. To avoid the lines and crowds of people, we suggest going during the low season, which runs from October to February.
Finally, we must mention that the entrance has a cost for adults, but the investment is worth it, since from the top of the Monument to the Discoverers you will have the best views you can imagine.
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