The world's explorers in stone
Across from Jeronimos Monastery, reached via an underpass by its gardens, is
the Discoveries Monument, built on the north bank of the Tagus River in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary
of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator.
It represents a three-sailed
ship ready to depart, with sculptures of important historical figures such
as King Manuel I carrying an armillary sphere, poet Camões holding verses
from The Lusiads, Vasco da Gama, Magellan, Cabral, and several other
notable Portuguese explorers, crusaders, monks, cartographers, and
cosmographers, following Prince Henry the Navigator at the prow holding a
small vessel.
The only female is queen Felipa of Lancaster, mother of Henry the navigator, the brain of the discoveries.
Inside is an exhibition space with temporary exhibits, an interesting
film about the city of Lisbon, and an elevator that takes visitors to the
top for some bird's-eye views of Belem and its monuments.
The pavement in front of the monument is decorated with a mosaic that was offered by the South African government in 1960, representing a compass with the map of the world charting the routes taken
by the Portuguese explorers.
Jeronimos
Monastery - A World Heritage monument; Vasco da Gama's resting place.
Belem
Tower - The city's icon; a symbol of the Age of Discovery.
Berardo Museum - World-class collection of modern art.
Coaches
Museum - The world's largest collection of magnificent royal coaches.
Maritime
Museum - The story of Portugal's pioneering role in world exploration at the sea.
Archaeology
Museum - Archaeological finds from over the centuries.
Belem Cultural
Center - Modern cultural center with regular exhibitions and events.
Tropical
Garden - Beautiful garden with rare plants from around the world.
Belem
Palace - The home of Portugal's President.
Memoria
Church - Elegant neoclassical church.
Ajuda
Palace - An extravagant royal palace.
Ajuda
Botanical Garden - Beautiful gardens overlooking the river.
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de Abril Bridge - Golden Gate's twin sister.
Docas - Attractive dock area with cosmopolitan
bars and restaurants.
Monument to
Christ - Christ opens His arms to the city.
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