Hotéis perto de Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Padrão dos Descobrimentos sits on the north bank of the Tagus River in Belém, right where Portuguese ships once set out for Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Por que se hospedar perto de Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Padrão dos Descobrimentos sits on the north bank of the Tagus River in Belém, right where Portuguese ships once set out for Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The monument draws people for two clear reasons: its sculptural form, shaped like the prow of a stone caravel, and the viewpoint at the top. From that terrace, you look across Belém and straight down onto the huge marble compass rose laid into the plaza below. You can walk around the exterior and riverside square for free, but going inside adds exhibitions and an elevator ride up to one of the clearest panoramic views over the river and Praça do Império.
Sobre Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Padrão dos Descobrimentos was first built in 1940 as a temporary structure for the Portuguese World Exhibition. It was designed by architect Cottinelli Telmo, with sculptures by Leopoldo de Almeida. In 1960, it was rebuilt as a permanent monument to mark 500 years since the death of Infante Dom Henrique (Henry the Navigator), who leads the procession of figures at the front. Along the two sloping sides are 33 stone figures linked to Portugal’s overseas expansion, including navigators, cartographers, missionaries, and patrons, arranged as if boarding a ship. Inside, the monument houses temporary exhibition rooms that provide historical context. An elevator takes you most of the way to the top terrace, followed by a short stair. From the viewpoint, you look down onto the large Rosa-dos-Ventos compass rose and out across the Tagus estuary, with Jerónimos Monastery and Praça do Império clearly visible.
