Rose Compass — Attraction in Lisbon

The Rosa-dos-Ventos is located in front of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Age of Discoveries), next to Tagus riverbank. It consists of a wind rose and the elaborate mosaics-laid map of the Portuguese world discoveries, with their most important overseas possessions marked and bearing the date of the respective discovery. Even though the Rosa-dos-Ventos was not a part of the original monument, and was inaugurated 20 years later following the latter's opening, it looks and feels - thematically and aesthetically - as an inherent component and continuation of the Monument to the Age of Discoveries. Most often than not the attraction gets pretty crowded with visitors of the countries pictured on the map trying to get their pictures taken standing on their native country's spot. Noteworthy is the fact that the wind-rose and the map were donated by the South African government in 1960. At the time, both Portugal and South Africa were considered political pariahs, due to their dictatorship and apartheid governments, which instilled a certain degree of affinity between...

The monument of the discoveries is one of the highlight attractions in Belem, situated directly in front of a most brilliant Wind Rose Square.

This square was built in 1960 and is a beautiful sight to see. At centre is a 14 meter wide map of the world during the Golden Age of Portuguese Discovery. The map makes use of black and red lioz limestone and details Portuguese colonial and trading outposts as well as their discovery dates.

The map is then surrounded by a 50 meter wide Compass Rose design which is then bordered by traditional calçada portuguesa, beige and black cobblestones that make up a wave pattern.

You can see the Wind Rose Square quite well from ground level, taking in close up views of the square. However, for best views, you really need to take the lift up to the top of the Monument of the Discoveries. From here you can view the entire square and capture everything...

The compass rose shows the map of the world and the most important routes, as well as the respective years in which the Portuguese made their discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Beautiful world map along the waterside, only a few minute walk to Belém Tower. Very popular area.

The story of these discoveries will forever be a part of Portugal’s culture.

Tip: The best place to get a general view of the compass rose is from the Discoveries Monument’s lookout, in addition to delighting yourself with a magnificent panoramic view of the Tejo River embracing Lisbon and the Belém district. The view from the top changes as the day progresses, seeing as the statues’ shadows appear on the map as the sun changes position, without forgetting the range of colors that illuminates...