English
The Monument to Discoveries was built to commemorate the 500 years of the death of one of the most famous figures in the history of Portugal: Henry the Navigator, one of the biggest entrepreneurs of maritime discovery expeditions.
Built at the feet of the river, in the district of Belém in the city of Lisbon, it stands out from far away due to it´s magnitude: 52 metres high. The work, designed by José Ángelo Cottinelli Telmo and Leopoldo de Almeida, shows a caravel and the whole marine group commanded by Henry the Navigator, who is situated on the bow of the ship made of cement. Behind him and in order of importance, are other maritime heroes that collaborated with the discoveries.
One of the most interesting things of the monument is that it can be explored in its totality and there are stairs and a lift that take one to the sixth floor, where one can observe the entire coast of the river and the region of Belém.
The edification has two sides, east and west, but visiting the monument from the west is something unforgettable because the sun helps the sailors of the boat come to life.
Built in 1960, the Monument to Discoveries is one of the most touristic points in the city that, if one wants to see, has to get Lisbon accommodation and start walking around the marvelous history of the place.
