Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)

Erected in 1960, the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) stands at the edge of the Tagus River in Lisbon. This striking 170-foot (52-meter) structure depicts a caravel, a ship often used by Portugal’s 15th-century explorers, poised as if about to set sail. The caravel is adorned with 32 sculptures of key figures from Portugal’s Age of Exploration, including Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan. Visitors can climb to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city, offering a unique perspective on Lisbon’s historic and modern landscapes.