Many of the new world discoveries had Lisbon as their starting point.

Vasco da Gama started his journey in Lisbon and discovered the maritime route to India in 1498.

In 1499, Pedro Alvares Cabral left Lisbon to discover Brazil.

The Portuguese discovered new commercial routes beyond the Mediterranean, developed safer ships to cross the Atlantic Sea and contributed to a significant progress in the sailing technology, nautical science, astronomy and cartography.

Cristovão Colombo (Christopher Columbus) lived and studied in Portugal between 1479 and 1484 and offered his services to the Portuguese Crown which were refused.

Fernão Magalhães (Ferdinand Magellan) the 25 year old Portuguese sailor joined the Portuguese fleet in India and reached the Moluccas' Islands. In 1519 sailed to South America where he found the passage to a very calm Sea which he named Pacífico (Pacific Ocean).

In 1521 he arrives to the Philippines, where he was caught in an ambush and killed. He was considered the first man to cross all the Globe's meridians.

The history of Lisbon is deeply associated with the Sea and the Discoveries period: seen in the boats carved in stone that we can still find above some door houses that belonged to seamen, as well as the World Heritage Monuments like Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower which are icons of Manuelines' style in Portugal, a style that is fully connected with the Sea and the Discoveries.

Many Monuments and Churches in Lisbon have been inspired by the Manueline style. Now it's time for you to discover the hidden treasures of Lisbon...