LISBOA CAMARA MUNICIPAL

Padrão dos Descobrimentos
O Padrão dos Descobrimentos foi erguido a título precário em 1940, por altura da Exposição do Mundo Português, tendo como projectista principal o arquitecto Cottinelli Telmo. Em 1960 passou definitivamente a pedra, na Praça do Império, em Belém. Construído para celebrar as descobertas portuguesas e simbolizar o local da partida das caravelas, representa a proa de uma nau onde seguem as figuras mais significativas do século XVI.

[Drawing of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos]

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos was first ephemerally built in 1940 as part of the Exposição do Mundo Português, having Cottinelli Telmo as its main architect. In 1960 it was definitely made in stone, on the Praça do Império, in Belém. Built to celebrate the Portuguese discoveries and to symbolise the starting point for the caravels, it represents the prow of a ship transporting the most prominent 16th century figures.

Turismo de Lisboa

The monument was originally built in 1940 for the Portuguese World Exhibition. The monument designed by Cottinelli Telmo and Leopoldo de Almeida commemorates the Portuguese explorers, and it was placed near the mouth of the Teho River, where the discovery caravans left.
In 1960, the monument was rebuilt from more durable materials than the original.

The sign is in the square overlooking the monument, see the sign in full Click for a larger image

The statue was photographed on the same day Click for a larger image Click for a larger image

The monument resembles a ship on the front of which are the Portuguese explorers, forming an arrowhead.
At the head of the arrow is sculpted Prince Henry (Prince Henry the Navigator), who was responsible for sending expeditions of explorers.
There are also known explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan and many others.

Next to the staircase leading to the front of the monument are the following texts:
AO INFANTE D. HENRIQVE E AOS
PORTVGVESES QVE DESCOBRIRAM
OS CAMINHOS DO MAR

to Prince Henry
and the Portuguese who discovered the
the ways of the sea
Click for a larger image

NO V CENTENÁRIO
DO INFANTE D. HENRIQVE
1460 - 1960

At the turn of the fifth century
For the death of Prince Enrique the Spaniard
1460-1960
Click for a larger image

On the side of the monument are the names of its creators
ARQ. COTTINELLI TELMO
ESC. LEOPOLDO DE ALMEIDA
Click for a larger image

Next to the statue is a sewer cover made as part of the project "There is Art in the Sewer" and on it is the monument Click for the item in The ultimate manhole covers site