Aos Descobrimentos Portugueses, Statue in Cascais e Estoril, Portugal
Aos Descobrimentos Portugueses is a bronze statue on a stone base in Cascais e Estoril, Portugal. It depicts an unnamed female figure meant to stand for the spirit of exploration rather than any specific person.
The statue was officially opened on February 22, 1992, to mark the 500th anniversary of the Portuguese discoveries. It was donated to the people of Cascais by the Academy of Letters and Arts.
The bronze woman has very long hair that resembles the ropes and rigging of old sailing ships. This detail links the figure directly to the sea and the journeys of Portuguese sailors.
The statue stands in a public space where you can walk around it and view it from all sides. A short stop is enough to read the inscriptions on the base and take in the full form of the figure.
The pedestal carries a tablet showing a map of the routes taken by Portuguese explorers, which visitors can read on the spot. The opening ceremony brought together representatives from several Portuguese-speaking countries, giving the monument a reach beyond Portugal alone.
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