An Amazing Period of Conquests and Discoveries:   In front of the Monument to the Discoveries is another of Lisbon's sightseeing attractions, a huge mariner's compass, cut into the stone pavement. The compass was a gift from South Africa in 1960 and the central map shows the routes of Portugal's maritime expeditions and discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries. Walk around the map and you'll see images of mermaids, galleons and indication of which direction the trade winds were … [Read more...]