Time your trip to the observation deck so that you can enjoy the sunset over the sea
The Age of Discovery
Found on the northern bank of the Tagus River estuary, the Discoveries Monument leans over where ships once left Lisbon, destined for exploration and trade with distant empires and colonies. It celebrates the Portuguese ‘Age of Discovery’, which took place during the 15th and 16th centuries and was epitomised by Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India and Álvarez Cabral’s discovery of Brazil. At its height the Portuguese empire spanned three continents, and Lisbon was flooded with its riches.
Built in 1939 and standing 50 metres tall, it’s a striking but undoubtedly romanticised version of Portugal’s past — one that was typical of the Estado Novo regime of António de Oliviera Salazar. Over the decades since it has been refashioned with new materials and an observation deck, auditorium and exhibition hall. Ascend and enjoy views of the Belém neighbourhood, including the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both of which actually date from the Age of Discovery.
Ahoy
The monument takes the form of a ship’s prow, with the figure of Duke Henrique the Navigator standing intrepidly on the ship’s edge. Behind him, to either side, stand 16 companions. They represent the great Portuguese of the era: an eclectic bunch of monarchs, cartographers, artists, scientists, and missionaries. All are looking forwards, suggesting a unified vision for Portugal. Beneath them is a huge marble and limestone compass mosaic which holds a world map showing the routes that Portuguese vessels took during the Age of Discovery.
Set on the waterfront, beautiful Belém is a symbol of Lisbon’s seafaring past, once home to Lisbon’s shipyards and docks. It was from here that 15th-century voyages launched, blazing a trail of discovery across oceans to India, East Africa and Brazil.
On your private half-day tour, you will:
Belém is the perfect place to learn about Portugal’s Golden Age of Discovery, where the 15th-century explorers set sail to discover new worlds. Today their voyages are commemorated by the sail-shaped Discoveries Monument.
These discoveries gave rise to incredible wealth from Portugal’s new colonies, which funded Belém’s grand buildings, parks and leafy plazas. Take in views of the 17th century Belém Palace, home to the Portuguese Royal Family for centuries and a prime example of English Baroque design.
Belém is famed for its remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the 16th-century Torre de Belém, a thin, stone tower that has become one of Portugal’s most photographed monuments.
The gothic Jerónimos Monastery also claims UNESCO credentials, with its stunning Manueline architecture.
Portugal's capital city of Lisbon is built upon seven hills known as the seven giants — São Jorge, São Vicente, São Roque, Santo André, Santa Catarina, Chagas e Sant'Ana — all of them visible when arriving in Lisbon by the river. This private walking tour of Lisbon & Belém will take you through the city, past its iconic landmarks, castles, and gardens and will include a River Cruise to boot.
On your private tour, you will:
From the imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s faded pastel-coloured buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Lisbon is a city of colourful balconies and views, trams and cobbled streets. Belém is a laid-back area of Lisbon on the Tagus River, known for its colourful houses and breathtaking landmarks that recall Lisbon’s seafaring history, like the 16th-century Tower of Belém. Your tour will end after the cruise back to central Lisbon.
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