Afonso de Albuquerque statue in Belem, Lisbon, Portugal
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Questions about the subject, usage, technology & more
Who was Afonso de Albuquerque and why does he have a monument in Lisbon?
Afonso de Albuquerque (1453–1515) was a Portuguese military commander and the second Governor of Portuguese India. He expanded Portugal's empire by conquering Goa, Malacca, and Hormuz, establishing trade dominance across Asia. His monument in Belém, erected in 1902, honors his role as a key architect of Portugal's maritime empire during the Age of Discovery.
How can this photo be used?
This stock photo is suitable for both editorial and commercial use. With a commercial license on Kataloop, it can be used in travel campaigns, cultural magazines, educational materials on Portuguese history, or tourism apps, for example. The high resolution of over 45 megapixels also supports large-format prints and posters with sharp, detailed rendering.
What mood does this photo convey?
The clear blue sky and the high-contrast white of the monument create a calm, authoritative visual impression. The low-angle perspective emphasizes the monument's imposing height and conveys historical weight. The sculptural details at the base draw attention to the depth of Portuguese history without appearing dramatic.
What equipment was used to capture this photo?
This shot of the Albuquerque monument in Belém was captured with the Sony Alpha 1 (ILCE-1) paired with the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens. The 50-megapixel sensor delivers exceptional detail at 5531 x 8296 pixels, rendering every relief and sculptural element with precision. The fast zoom allowed balanced framing from mid-distance without distorting the monument's vertical proportions.
What visual style or trend does this photo represent?
Monuments and their historical interpretation are under increasing public scrutiny. Images like this meet the growing demand for authentic archival material for discussions around colonial history, memory culture, and cultural heritage. At the same time, the clean, documentary aesthetic aligns with the trend toward unfiltered, straightforward travel photography.
Located in the Jardim Afonso de Albuquerque in Belém, this monument rises on an elaborately decorated white pedestal topped by a bronze statue of the commander. The base is richly adorned with allegorical figures, rope reliefs, and maritime emblems commemorating Portugal's Age of Discovery. The surrounding park provides a calm contrast to the monument's historical density and invites visitors to linger.
Lisbon blends maritime history with a vibrant present. The Belém district, where this photo was taken, is just one of the city's many cultural hubs. Visitors discover the lively Alfama neighborhood, the grand boulevards around Marquês de Pombal, and panoramic views from Castelo de São Jorge. Fado music, Pastéis de Nata, the Tagus River, azulejo-tiled facades, and iconic trams all define this richly layered European capital.

