Belem Ship Monument

#GetDiscountsWithoutLuck Padrão dos Descobrimentos - This ship-shaped monument was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. On the side of the monument are sculptures of important figures in Portuguese history, such as Vasco da Gama, who discovered the sea route to India, Pedro Álvares Cabral, who discovered Brazil, and Fernando Magellan, who traveled around the world. The back of the monument is in the shape of a cross, decorated with the swords of the Knights of Aviz (The Military Order of Aviz), a knighthood of the Church founded on the model of the Templar warriors and the main organization that provided funding for all of the above maritime explorations. If you visit during dusk, the lights will be turned on at the part with the knight's sword. It reminds you of candlelight, giving off a magical atmosphere. #TravelPortugal #TravelEurope