Padrao dos Descobrimentos
Padrao dos Descobrimentos
4
About
Erected in the honor of Portugal's Prince Henry the Navigator in 1960, this is a dramatic work of art in stone that commemorates Portugal's many famous explorers and adventurers.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Belém
Belém is the "capital of the Portuguese Discoveries" and a photographer's paradise. You can spend an entire day exploring this neighborhood: monuments (Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Monument to the Discoveries), museums (Coach Museum, Centro Cultural de Belém) and breathtaking views of the Tagus river will make your visit worth your time. Belém also offers a variety of restaurants and cafes, namely the famous - and delicious - "Pastéis de Belém" (typical Portuguese custard tarts; make sure you buy an extra box of those!). Easily accessible from Lisbon's historic center, Belém is a must-do, especially if you're spending more than one day visiting the Portuguese capital.
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See what travelers are saying
- Michael FPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania1,155 contributionsWorthy of a fly-by...This monument is certainly worthy of a fly-by. It is located in Rosa dos Ventos square, which is basically across from Jerónimos Monastery, a 10ish minute walk from the Tower of Belem, and near few other museums. As such, you may want to balance your time elsewhere as you decide what to visit and for how long. I swung by for photos of the outside of the grand monument decided to the Portuguese Age of Discovery. It was worth snapping a few pictures, however, I opted against spending the time (and small entry fee) to go up to the top. Had it not been quite as crowded, I may have headed to the top.Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten October 3, 2023
- Maidindevon20183 contributionsGreat views across Belem and the River Tagus. Expensive at 10 eurosWhen we visted Belem before, we did not realise that you can go inside this monument. It is 10 euros, so a bit pricey for the time you spend there. They do have an exhibition and toilets. You get a good view from the top of the monument across Belem and the River Tagus. A lift takes you most of the way, then up a few flights of stairs to the roof top. Glad we went, but as said admission is high.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 3, 2023
- CJTGlasgowGlasgow, United Kingdom774 contributionsBeautiful monument with superb views from the topThis is a lovely monument to look at - and also to take a lift to the top and admire the views over the Tagus river and city! The €10 ticket gets you to the top and also to visit an interesting exhibition in the basement. Well worth a visit!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 21, 2023
- GAR967 contributionsWorth a visit if you’re nearbyWorth seeing if you’re in the area although I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it. I didn’t go inside, but it’s pretty impressive from the outside. Some signage to explain those commemorated on the monument would’ve been usefulVisited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 13, 2023
- GarfieldluvrDenver, Colorado977 contributionsStriking Monument, but Maybe Not Worth the TripWe took a day trip to Belem to visit Padrao dos Descobrimentos and Belem tower. If you only have limited time in Lisbon, I would skip making a trip out here. To me, there are much more interesting things to see in Lisbon. With that said, his monument is very powerful and striking. If you plan to visit on a sunny day, bring sunglasses. The monument and surrounding area are all while which reflects the sun and it is very bright.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 19, 2023
- Lainie LNew York City, New York737 contributionsStunning sculpture celebrating Portuguese explorers!I was in the neighborhood of Belém on a tour of Jerónimos Monastery and my wonderful tour guide, Mario, brought our small group here on the way to Belém Tower. I didn't know about the Monument to the Discoveries so to see it was astonishing. The intricate details and width and breadth of the sculpture is something to behold. Our tour group didn't go inside because we were on the way to the tower, but the view was free and gorgeous especially on a beautiful, sunny day. Mario also pointed out the map of Europe on the ground in front of the sculpture detailing the comprehensive journeys of Portuguese explorers. Definitely swing by to take a look if you're in the neighborhood!Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten December 7, 2023
- Hawaiian CanuckVancouver, Canada2,099 contributionsStunning and much better than I anticipated.You see this attraction all over social media and in travel books and you think it’s probably ok to visit for a short amount of time. I went and was blown away at its size, its architectural detail and its storied history. This is worth spending time to look at the details, especially through a guided tour. I was lucky that our guide took the time to explain the figures on both sides of monument and the overall history of Portugal’s amazing age of discovery via their explorers. Did you know that there is one woman featured among all the figures along the sides of the monument? Definitely give this a 40 minute time limit for a visit.Visited May 2023Traveled with friendsWritten January 3, 2024
- Quill2005Ocala, Florida266 contributionsAn Impressive Large Monument to Portugal’s Historic Age of DiscoveryWithin easy walking distance from the Jeronimos Monastery, the Discoveries Monument is an impressive large monument dedicated to Portugal’s Age of Discovery, a significant historical achievement for this small maritime country. The monument consists of statues of important historical figures associated with the Age of Discovery, with Prince Henry the Navigator appropriately at the front and head of the group. There’s a nice little park in between the Jeronimos Monastery and the Discoveries Monument. To get to it, you must cross an underground tunnel. If you have the time while in the Belem district, this place is worth a visit. Otherwise if you’re at the Jeronimos Monastery, you can view it from afar.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 5, 2024
- david1892Tullamore, Ireland838 contributionsGreat viewsFantastic views from all sides of the statue of the city. Entry fee is only €10.You take the lift to the 6th floor and then walk 2 sets of stairs to the top. No time limit on staying but 15 to 20 mins is plenty.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 5, 2024
- VickyLargsLargs, United Kingdom857 contributionsOne of the Belem attractions with the best view of the bridgeIf you are in Belem and have already visited the Belem Tower, suggest you walk along the river to this monument devoted to Portugals explorers. There’s a better view to the bridge from here and also quite an interesting little square with a map showing all the Portuguese colonial prowess of the past. You can finish exploring the area by visiting the Jeronimos monastery or at least admire its architecture which we did as it was closed for a day.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
11,470 reviews
Excellent
4,983
Very good
4,521
Average
1,603
Poor
262
Terrible
101
chocohen
29 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
I really enjoyed this area of Belam. The monument itself is impressive in design and stature. It was very striking set against the backdrop of the blue sky and river upon which stretches an impressive suspension bridge. There were lots of sailing boats on the water and a multitude of walkers, joggers, cyclists and electric scooters on the promenade. There was a great atmosphere even though it was a Sat afternoon in February. The area must really buzz in the summer.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard-Roadman
Heerhugowaard, The Netherlands398 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
As other have described it’s a very impressive monument to honor the Portugese discoverers. All the way on top is an observationdeck which will cost you 6 euros, 20% reduced with lisboacard. But other than a great view of the Jeronimos cloisters there isn’t much to see. But the big advantage is the you get a brochure which names all the figures on the monument. And do note that the figures are not the same at both sides.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMsays
Thornhill, Canada4,905 contributions
Feb 2020
This famous monument is also called The Monument to the Discoveries. Built in 1960, 500 years after the death of renowned Henry the Navigator, this caravel inspired monument was created to honour 33 prominent bygone heroes that include poet, navigators Magellan and Vasco da Gama, kings Manuel I and Alfonso V, St. Francis Xavier, poet Camões and at its prow, Henry the Navigator, himself leading the charge into the unknown. Unique piece highlighting the discoverers who were instrumental in establishing Portugal as exceptional navigators...
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeannie2207
Windsor, UK1,061 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
This is a great area. The amazing statue with explorers looking out to sea is very striking and there is a wonderful map of the world which shows how extensive the Portuguese empire was once upon a time. It’s better of course if you have a guide with you and we did very luckily.
This was one of the stops on a motorbike tour of Lisbon and it was a lovely day in November.
This was one of the stops on a motorbike tour of Lisbon and it was a lovely day in November.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Exploring Chris
Calgary, Canada244 contributions
Dec 2019
The Belem tower is the obvious "must-see" along the water way at Belem, but this monument is well worth the walk a few blocks further. The scale is deceiving... it's huge once you reach it, which makes the sculptures along it even more impressive. Not the type of attraction that needs more than a few minutes before moving on.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JRMADA
United States3,386 contributions
Nov 2022
From this point the Portuguese ships sailed southwest to discover Brazil in 1500. This is a very busy area with lots of visitors on shore. One can pay a small fee and go to the top of this monument. The views of the bridge (Ponte 25 de April) which resembles the Golden Gate in San Francisco, California are great from here. This is a short walk from Belem Tower or the Jeronimos Monastery.
Written November 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peggy C
Irvine, CA14 contributions
Dec 2022
It’s quite enough just see the monument outside, which is free and great. Don’t waste money on entrance fee into museum, which increased to 8.5 euros from 5 for seniors, a 70% increase starting on January 1, 2023, however the increase has not been mentioned in any official websites.
The monument is 6 story high, but museum is only a very small room in basement, really nothing much to see maybe just 5 minutes , which just tells you the background stories of building it. The rest of all 5 stories are closed to visitors, maybe not part of museum? The only other thing to do is go to the roof top to see the city view, which you don’t need to spend more than 10 Euros, it’s not worthy.
The monument is 6 story high, but museum is only a very small room in basement, really nothing much to see maybe just 5 minutes , which just tells you the background stories of building it. The rest of all 5 stories are closed to visitors, maybe not part of museum? The only other thing to do is go to the roof top to see the city view, which you don’t need to spend more than 10 Euros, it’s not worthy.
Written January 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zrinka P
Zagreb, Croatia121 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Nice night walk from Torre de Belém by the river took us to this place. The monument itself is really amazing but the surroundings are rather bellow expected. Still it’s a must see place in Lisbon and my boys had great time trying to guess the names of the statues
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia20,006 contributions
Jun 2022
This is another great attraction in the southwest Belem part of Lisbon.
Right by the Tagus river, around the place from where huge ship expeditions used to depart is this ship like tribute monument made of granite.
A composition of important figures of discoveries era adorns both sides of the monument, starting with Henry the Navigator, Vasco de Gama,...etc.
Monument is totally free to visit, however, if you want to climb it there's a small fee. From up there're great views of Tagus river, Jeronimo Monastery and the mosaic world map and compass on the pavement in front.
Right by the Tagus river, around the place from where huge ship expeditions used to depart is this ship like tribute monument made of granite.
A composition of important figures of discoveries era adorns both sides of the monument, starting with Henry the Navigator, Vasco de Gama,...etc.
Monument is totally free to visit, however, if you want to climb it there's a small fee. From up there're great views of Tagus river, Jeronimo Monastery and the mosaic world map and compass on the pavement in front.
Written July 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Naila
Baku, Azerbaijan819 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
The Epoch of Discovery is one of the most interesting and intriguing one in our history. This monument is showing the efforts of Portuguese people in those times, it's an anthem to brave men, leaving their home and heading to the uncertainty of the Ocean.
It is better to visit this monument, while going to Jeronimos Monastery and Belem tower.
It is better to visit this monument, while going to Jeronimos Monastery and Belem tower.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quanto tempo leva para visitar o Padrão dos Descobrimentos?
Written June 30, 2018
Não é necessário muito tempo. O Padrão dos Descobrimentos é um miradouro, você pode subir e ver a vista lá de cima, ou pode somente admirar a sua forma. Mas é passagem obrigatória em Belém pois fica ao lado da Torre de Belém e na frente do Mosteiro dos Jerônimos.
Written July 1, 2018
Boa Tarde! È possível comprar ingressos antecipado pela internet?
Grata Claudia
Written February 25, 2018
I realo don’t know. But I think you don’t have to wait very long by your visit.
Written February 19, 2019
I looked up to see if there was a padlock bridge in Lisbon and 'Padrao dos Descobrimentos' came up in my search. Although when on the site it doesn't have anything about padlocks. I was just wondering if anyone has been and seen this? Also is there any good bars and restaurants near this mounument? Thank You.
Written January 23, 2018
Yes, there is a padlock structure, not a bridge, near the monument.
Written January 29, 2018
Bonjour,
Pourriez vous me dire où peut on acheter des tickets? Est il possible d’avoir les tickets sur internet ou c’est sur place qu,il faut les acheter?
J’ai déjà acheté ceux pour le monastère et la tour Belem. Mais pour le monument de la découverte je ne trouve rien même pas sur le site officiel en portugais.
Merci par avance.
Written October 9, 2017
No.Gratis no es.Hay que comprar entradas y se compran allí mismo.Creo recordar que cuestan alrededor de 7 u 8 euros.
Written October 23, 2017
Actually how many steps to the top?
Pls let me know as to how many steps are there after one gets off the lift and wants to reach the top floor? Are the steps too steep to climb?
Thanks a lot!
Written June 1, 2017
I really didn't count the steps but I think there are no more than 50 and not steep to climb ; after all,it is a relatively new monument with normal steps,nothing to fear !
Written June 1, 2017
Is the monument under scaffolding as of August 15,2016
Written August 18, 2016
In mid June, the scaffolding was just going up.
Written August 18, 2016
Entradas individuais, 4 euros. Para dois adultos e dois menores de 18 anos, 10 euros. O lado exterior, obviamente é gratuito. Boa viagem! Ah! em frente fica a doceria que faz os mais que afamados pasteis de Belém. Não deixe de prová-los, ainda que a fila pareça desanimadora..
Written July 10, 2015
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