The Monument to the Discoveries

Across the street from the Jeronimos Monastery is the Monument to the Discoveries, in the shape of the prow of a boat facing the Tagus River. The monument is 52 meters high and it has giant sculptures on it. At one end is the sculpture of Prince Henry the Navigator, who fostered many of the discoveries by the Portuguese. The sculptures feature 30 important personalities, including Vasco da Gama, who discovered the sea route to India. This monument is very impressive and beautiful.