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The Padrão dos Descobrimentos was conceived in 1940 on the occasion of the "Portuguese World Exhibition", promoted by Salazar's government to celebrate the double centenary of the foundation and restoration of the nationality (1140 and 1640). However, it was only built in 1960, on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the death of Infante D. Henrique, the Navigator. Designed by the architect Cottinelli Telmo, it relied on the work of the sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida for its implementation.

Standing 52 meters high, the monument symbolizes a caravel, led by the figure of Infante D. Henrique, followed in a procession by 32 historical personalities who contributed to the Age of Discovery, such as King D. Afonso V (1432-81). , driving force behind the first discoveries, Vasco da Gama (1460-1524) who discovered the maritime route to India, Pedro Álvares Cabral (1467-1520), discoverer of Brazil and Fernão de Magalhães, who crossed the Atlantic in 1520-21, between others.

The façade facing land is in the shape of a cross decorated with the Sword of the Order of Aviz, a great financier of the trips.

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