Monument to the Discoveries and Belem Tower

For those of you traveling to Lisbon for the first time, I recommend making the Discoveries Monument your first stop. Not only will you be treated to an amazing 360 degree view of the city and the surrounding area, you can also learn a lot about the history of Lisbon all in a single stop - and with minimal effort!

The Lisbon Experience is a 25-30 minute video highlighting some of the most notable times in the history of Lisbon. I had a much better appreciation for the endurance and resilience of the people of Lisbon afterwards. Showings are on the hour and half hour, and the audio is available in several languages. You'll be asked at the desk which one you prefer.

An elevator takes you almost to the top of the Monument - you'll need to walk up a few stairs to get to the roof. But it's so worth it. You'll be treated to views of the city, the river, and even towns many miles away. As the day was clear when I visited I could see the lighthouse in Cascais (30 minute train ride away) and the Moorish Castle in Sintra (1 hour train ride away).

While the temporary exhibit in the lower levels wasn't very interesting when I was there, be sure to take a look downstairs. You never know what you might find.

Be sure to stop at the top of the stairs either on your way in or as you leave to enjoy the great mosaic in front of the Monument. This map is huge! I can only imagine how long it took to install all those pieces...

These two beautiful structures are located right next to the Tagus River in the Belem district of Lisbon, Portugal. The Monument to the Discoveries is a very large structure made of concrete, resembling a caravel. On each side of the monument there are huge statues of important Portuguese explorers and merchants. At the tip of the monument (the front of the caravel), there is a statue of Henry the Navigator looking out on the Tagus River. Flanked on either side of him are the statues of Ferdinand Magellan and Vasco da Gama. Visitors can access the top of the large structure by taking an elevator at the back of it all. At the top, you can see great views of the city, the river, and of nearby Belem Tower.

Belem Tower is near the Monument to the Discoveries, and used to be a fortress built to protect Lisbon. The small size of the structure may have fooled invaders, but this small fortress carried out the functions of a large fort! The answer to its success is in the location. Right on the mouth of the Tagus, it could fend off any enemy! The architecture used in this great building is amazing, Renaissance style!!

Both of these attractions are a must for any traveler stopping in Lisbon!! Have fun!