2 Best Sights in Lisbon, Portugal

The white, monolithic Monument of the Discoveries was erected in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. It was built on what was the departure point for many voyages of discovery, including those of Vasco da Gama for India and—during Spain's occupation of Portugal—of the Spanish Armada for England in 1588. Henry is at the prow of the monument, facing the water; lined up behind him are the Portuguese explorers of Brazil and Asia, as well as other national heroes. On the ground adjacent to the monument, an inlaid map shows the extent of the explorations undertaken by the 15th- and 16th-century Portuguese sailors. Walk inside and take the elevator to the top for river views.

Lisbon's somewhat austere answer to Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer sits atop a giant concrete plinth high above the Tagus River. It was inaugurated in 1959 as a mark of thanks for Portugal's safety during the violence of World War II. Today, the Santuário Nacional do Cristo Rei is an important religious site, but most casual visitors come here primarily for the spectacular views from the 262-foot-high viewing platform, which is reached by elevator. Visiting the peaceful, scenic grounds is free.