Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Discoveries Monument), Lisbon
Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Discoveries Monument) - Lisbon Sightseeing Tours, Activities & Tickets | TripTard.Com
When planning your Lisbon sightseeing tour, don’t forget to include a stop at the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. This monument commemorates all of Portugal’s historic discoveries, and it’s a great way to learn more about Portugal’s scientific and maritime history. There are also plenty of activities available here, so you can spend some quality time in Lisbon!
What is the Padrão dos Descobrimentos?
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a monument in Lisbon, Portugal, commemorating the historic discoveries of the Portuguese Empire. The monument was designed by the architect José Malhoa and inaugurated on October 12, 1928. It is located in the Rossio Square, just north of the Palace of Beaux Arts.
The monument is made up of a large bronze statue of King John II on a white marble pedestal. The statue is flanked by two smaller statues of Ferdinand Magellan and Vasco da Gama. Just below the statue are bas-reliefs depicting key moments in Portuguese exploration: Ferdinand Magellan's arrival in Portugal in 1519; Vasco da Gama's first voyage to India in 1497; and Christopher Columbus's arrival in 1492. The bas-reliefs are based on paintings done by Joaquim Pedro de Almada Negreiros.
The monument was financed by donations from the Portuguese people and by loans from Portugal's colonial empire.
The Monument's History
The Monument to the Discoveries is located in the Praça do Comércio square in Lisbon, and marks the spot where Portugal's first European exploration of the world took place. The monument was designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi and was inaugurated on July 1, 1881. It consists of a bronze statue of King Manuel II of Portugal, representing Portuguese maritime discoveries in the 16th century, and four granite columns topped by bronze capitals.
The monument has been a popular tourist destination since its construction, and is visited by thousands of people each year. In addition to being a popular destination for sightseeing, the Monument is also home to several museums, including the Museu dos Descobrimentos (Museum of Discoveries), which showcases artifacts from Portuguese maritime discoveries, and the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National Museum of Ancient Art).
What to Do on a Padrão dos Descobrimentos Sightseeing Tour
If you're looking for a great way to explore the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Discoveries Monument), Lisbon has plenty of activities and sightseeing tours available to fit your schedule. Whether you want to take a self-guided tour or have one of our experienced guides take you on a customized journey, there is something for everyone. Here are just a few of the highlights:
Self-Guided Tour: If you're feeling independent, we recommend taking our self-guided tour. This option provides a wealth of information about each of the exhibits, as well as explanations about how the monument was built and why it matters. Our tour is approximately one hour long and is offered in both Portuguese and English.
Activity Tour: If you'd like to explore more than just the monument's exhibitions, our activity tours provide an overview of Lisbon's history and include some fun activities along the way. Tours range from 2 hours to 3 hours long and can be tailored to your interests and preferences.
Private Tour: If you're looking for an exclusive experience, consider booking one of our private tours. These tours are perfect for groups of up to 10 people and include transportation from your hotel to the monument
Activities Available at the Padrão dos Descobrimentos
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a monument in Lisbon, Portugal, dedicated to the Discoveries of the Age of Discovery. The monument was built between 1819 and 1824 as a memorial to King John V of Portugal and his father King Manuel I of Portugal, who had sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492. The monument is located in front of the Royal Palace of Porto.
One of the activities available at the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a guided tour of its exhibits. The tour lasts about an hour and covers topics such as the history of exploration, maritime technology, European colonization, and Portuguese art.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a sightseeing tour that will take you on a journey through the Portuguese discoveries, look no further than Padrão dos Descobrimentos. This monument pays tribute to all of the great explorers who have helped shape Portugal into what it is today. From Vasco da Gama and Pedro Álvares Cabral to Bartolomeu Dias and Ferdinand Magellan, this monument celebrates the achievements of Portugal's most celebrated scientists and adventurers. If you're interested in learning more about these remarkable men and their accomplishments, be sure to book a sightseeing tour with us!