PORTUGAL MODERN

1996

The Vasco da Gama Tower, a striking emblem of Expo ’98, stands as a modern tribute to Portugal’s maritime heritage and the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India. Designed by Leonor Janeiro and Nick Jacobs, this 140-meter-high structure is a contemporary architectural marvel located on the banks of the Tagus River in Lisbon. Its design draws inspiration from the sails of ancient ships, with a curved metallic structure that evokes a billowing sail and a wedge-shaped base reminiscent of a ship’s hull. The tower’s vertical concrete beam, reinforced with metal, supports a circular restaurant at its summit, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Lisbon’s metropolitan area. This innovative design not only serves as a counterpoint to the historic Belém Tower but also marks the northern boundary of the exposition site, creating a new urban landmark that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity.