Padrão dos Descobrimentos

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Lonely Planet review

The huge limestone Padrão dos Descobrimentos, inaugurated in 1960 on the 500th anniversary of Henry the Navigator's death, is shaped like a stylised caravel, chock-full of Portuguese bigwigs. At the prow is Henry himself; behind him are explorers Vasco da Gama, Diogo Cão and Fernão de Magalhães, poet Luís de Camões, painter Nuno Gonçalves and 27 other good-and-greats.

Inside are exhibition rooms, an audiovisual show introducing the city and a lift and stairs to the top, with its impressive monastery and river views.