Palmayachts Meeting Point - Gate 1

Created by Cottinelli Telmo (1897–1948) and the sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida (1898–1975), Padrão dos Descobrimentos was first erected in 1940, in a temporary form, as part of the Portuguese World Exhibition, built with perishable materials. It had a light iron and cement frame, while the moulded sculpture had a light iron and cement frame, while the moulded sculpture was made of gypsum (formed of plaster and burlap, and reinforced by a wooden and iron structure). The monument was reconstructed in 1960 to mark 500 years since the death of the Infante Dom Henrique (Henry the Navigator). This time it was made of concrete and rose-tinted Leiria stone masonry, with the sculptures made of Sintra limestone masonry. The Centro Cultural das Descobertas was opened in 1985. Architect Fernando Ramalho remodelled the interior, giving the monument a viewpoint, auditorium and exhibition hall.

The Belém Tower was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983 and is an identity symbol of the city of Lisbon and Portugal in the world. It is historically and artistically associated with the Jerónimos Monastery and the Portuguese Discoveries. Built between 1514 and 1519 on a basaltic surface, some distance from the north bank of the river, it combines two distinct architectural models: the tall tower, like a medieval keep, and the bulwark, a modern military device.

This museum is housed in a group of buildings classified as national heritage - the Central Tejo or Lisbon power station. Besides the building itself, the main interest is the machinery used to supply electricity to the city of Lisbon in the first half of the 20C. It includes 19C dynamos and electric motors, steam engines, high-pressure boilers, hydraulic generators and other tools and equipment.

Inaugurated in October 2016 within the framework of EDP Foundation’s long-running policy of cultural patronage, MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology is an international institution dedicated to arouse critical discourse and creative practice with the intent of sparking new understandings about the historical present and a responsible commitment to the future. Located on the riverfront in Lisbon’s historical Belém district, MAAT comprises a former power station built in 1908 – MAAT Central – and a contemporary building – MAAT Gallery – connected via a park that extends along the River Tagus: MAAT Garden. In addition to the programme of temporary exhibitions and activities – Agenda – the museum also features permanent exhibitions such as The Electricity Factory at Central Tejo and the sculptures in the outdoor spaces.

The Fábrica Nacional de Cordoaria, or Cordoaria Nacional, belonged to the Portuguese Navy. This was where the cables, sisal ropes, sails and flags that equipped the Portuguese ships were manufactured. The building, which dates to the 1770s, has been classified as a national monument since 1996. The art gallery, housed in the Torreão Nascente (Eastern Tower), regularly holds major exhibitions from Portuguese and international collections.

The Ponte 25 de Abril (25th of April Bridge) is an iconic suspension bridge that spans the Tagus River, connecting Portugal's capital, Lisbon, to the municipality of Almada on the south bank. It is a prominent landmark often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco due to its similar design and "International Orange" color, and was built by the same American company. Original Name: The bridge's construction began in November 1962 and it was inaugurated on August 6, 1966. It was originally named the Ponte Salazar (Salazar Bridge) in honor of António de Oliveira Salazar, Portugal's dictator at the time.

Bairro Alto is one of Lisbon’s most historic and lively neighborhoods, celebrated for its distinct day-and-night contrasts. During the day, it offers a calm atmosphere with traditional architecture, small independent shops, and colorful street art. As night falls, it comes alive as one of the city’s most popular nightlife districts, packed with bars, restaurants, and Fado houses. Perched on a hill, its narrow cobblestone streets blend residential charm with a vibrant commercial scene. Chiado, Lisbon’s perennial upmarket neighbourhood, is a place of studios, original shops, renovated spaces and marvellous pavement cafés for watching the constant coming and going of those shopping, wandering and those still trying to figure out where the river is. Baixa, more traditional and authentic, serves up souvenir shops, famous patisseries and adventurous eateries. Take your time to discover the streets and corners and all their charms.

The Praça do Comércio is a large, harbour-facing plaza in Portugal's capital, Lisbon, and is one of the largest in Portugal. Facing the Tagus (Tejo) river to the South, the plaza is still commonly known in Portuguese as Terreiro do Paço as it hosted the Paço da Ribeira (transl. Royal Palace of Ribeira) until the latter was destroyed by the great 1755 Lisbon earthquake (the subway station located there is still named after the old name of the plaza). After the earthquake, the plaza was completely remodeled as part of the rebuilding of the Pombaline Downtown (Baixa), ordered by Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, 1st Marquis of Pombal, who was (chief) Minister of Portugal from 1750 to 1777, during the reign of the Portuguese King José I.

Given its outstanding location, a highlight of the Castelo de São Jorge is its many viewpoints affording majestic and unparalleled views of Lisbon. Built in the mid-11th century, this fortification still retains eleven towers displaying various architectural features characteristic of military fortifications from the Moorish period. The steps leading up the sides of the curtain walls provide access to the ramparts and towers enabling visitors to explore the entire perimeter.

Alfama, the oldest and most traditional neighbourhood in Lisbon, with cobbled lanes and alleys and steep, gruelling inclines, should be discovered little by little, stopping frequently to savour the view, atmosphere and authentic spirit of the oldest side of the capital. Take a deep breath and start to climb the hill that will reveal one of the best views of the city.

Almada, on the south bank of the River Tagus, has undoubtedly the best view of the city of Lisbon. The most outstanding views are from the castle, the panoramic funicular of the Boca do Vento (Mouth of the Wind), and above all the statue of Christ the King, built in 1959. In past centuries, Almada was a popular summer resort for the Court, which ordered the construction of stately homes and buildings that are still preserved in the city. Life in Almada does not revolve only around the capital, where most of its inhabitants work; it is a city with its own life, the setting for well-attended events like the Theatre Festival.

In 1939, World War II began. During this period, the idea of building the Christ the King Monument gained renewed meaning and vigor. At the end of their annual retreat, on April 20, 1940, the Portuguese bishops gathered in Fatima made the following vow: “If Portugal were spared from the War, a Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus would be erected over Lisbon, a visible sign of how God wishes to win all of humanity for Himself.”