The 16th century Belém Tower is a fortification on the banks of the Tagus River. It was a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon and the embarkation point for Portuguese explorers before they began their journey. It remains a symbol of Portugal's maritime and colonial power. The tower is architecturally interesting for its Manueline style combined with Renaissance and Moorish elements.
In the proximity of the Belém Tower, also on the Tagus River, stands the modern Monument of the Discoveries. It is a symbolic place from which Portuguese ships set sail to discover new lands. The inauguration of the monument in 1960 marked the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, the initiator of 15th century European maritime discoveries and the expansion of the Portuguese Empire.
At the time when monument was inaugurated, Portugal was still a country with colonial aspirations. The overseas colonies had been rebranded to overseas provinces. The government initiated the relocation of Portuguese citizens from the continent to the overseas provinces in Africa. Portuguese Colonial War, which lasted 13 years, would begin a year after the unveiling of the Monument to the Discoveries in 1961.
The Monument to the Discoveries is an idealization of Portuguese exploration. It features figures from the Portuguese history of discovery. The main statue of Henry the Navigator leads others.
