A temporary set made permanent
The first version was built for the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition. It was rebuilt in concrete and stone in 1960, for the 500th anniversary of Henry the Navigator's death.
Urban Tales › Lisbon › Monument to the Discoveries
Monument to the Discoveries: the history, and the ship of stone that began as a temporary set
A caravel prow in stone on the Tagus, with Henry the Navigator leading the people of Portugal's sea voyages. Here's what you're looking at, and what to listen for when you get there.
First built1940 (temporary)
Rebuilt in stone1960
FiguresHenry + 32
Pavement mapGift from South Africa
Hear the Monument to the Discoveries story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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2
Who's on the prow
Henry the Navigator leads 32 figures of the Age of Discoveries: navigators such as Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral and Magellan, along with cartographers, writers and missionaries.
3
A map under your feet
The giant compass rose and world map in the pavement, a gift from South Africa, mark the routes and dates of the Portuguese voyages.
TipWalk around the base to read the figures on both sides, then look down at the pavement map from the top viewing deck if it's open. With Urban Tales running, the monument's story plays as you reach the river.
Nearby landmarks
Monument to the Discoveries: common questions
When was the Monument to the Discoveries built?
A temporary version was made for the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition; the permanent one was inaugurated in 1960.
Who is on the Monument to the Discoveries?
Henry the Navigator at the prow and 32 figures of the Age of Discoveries behind him, including Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral and Magellan.
What is the map in front of the monument?
A compass rose and world map in the pavement, a gift from South Africa, tracing the Portuguese sea routes.