Monday, November 24, 2008

Heroes at Sunset


The Monument to the Discoveries was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. It represents a three-sailed ship ready to depart, with sculptures of important historical figures such as Camões, Vasco da Gama, Magellan, Cabral, and several other notable Portuguese explorers, crusaders, monks, cartographers, and cosmographers, following the prince at the prow holding a small vessel. The only woman is Queen Felipa of Lancaster, mother of Henry the Navigator, the brain of the discoveries.
The monument sits on the mouth of the Tagus River at Belém, the very spot ships have left more than 500 years ago (western Lisbon).

21 comments:

Olivier said...

ce monument est magnifique, on dirait des statues en sable. superbe la couleur
this monument is splendid, they would say statues in sand. haughtiness colour

Raquel Sabino Pereira said...

Magnificent photos and a wonderful colour you got!!!

Hilda said...

I really like this monument, especially with how you photograph it. I love the third photo! What is the metallic thing on the first — it looks very interesting too. A lamp?

You did know that Magellan discovered the Philippines, right? But he was financed by Spain on that trip so we became a Spanish colony.

Tanya Breese said...

Impressive! The color you captured is magnificent!

Unknown said...

Hilda, it's a 'modern' armillary sphere (with some lamps inside to light the monument at night).

Jessica said...

I passed this monument many times during my vacation in Lisbon, so it brings back nice memories. I love the light effect and the warmth is adds to the stone.

Mary Stebbins Taitt said...

Lovely sculpture, color, and detail! :-D

Babzy.B said...

very nice sculptures ,you rally need to enlarge them to see the details !

kuanyin333 said...

Great color in these beautiful photos!

Marie-Noyale said...

Many Portuguese explorers..
certainly deserved a beautiful monument like this one, with great sunset tones.

Jane Hards Photography said...

These are nagnificent especially the light you have upon them. Such a striking imagery

Anonymous said...

What amazing detail, Great shots!!

Sharon said...

What a fantastic monument.

Rob said...

The lighting is spectacular!

Anonymous said...

I took loads of pictures of this monument when I was in Lisbon. But I never saw it this rich yellow - what perfect timing for you!

Ken Mac said...

love the final shot with the bridge in the distance. Lovely light capture

Virginia said...

That is a gorgeous group of photos, JM> Love the color. Right up my alley!

Mary said...

What a fantastic monument! Your photos are great and such interesting history. You should link this to the "My World" site..I know many would enjoy it and your other great photos.

Kate said...

What an interesting monument, and outstanding photos to demonstrate this unusual collection of sculptures. Very nice!!

PJ said...

That is just an astonishing piece of sculpture. I especially like it's coloration/the light.

ruma said...

A sculpture sparkling in the setting sun is beautiful.
The bridge which I see in the distance is very grand.