Portugal's tallest skyscraper accommodates a lavish hotel, offering awe-inspiring urban vistas from Lisbon.
In the throbbing heart of Lisbon, a cutting-edge marvel grabs everybody's attention. The Vasco da Gama Tower stands tall, a striking silhouette that can't be missed as you tread on the iconic Parque das Nações. This modern marvel is a perfect representation of the fresh face of Portuguese architecture. Undoubtedly a beacon of the capital, it offers not just an awe-inspiring vista, but a tale well worth knowing.
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Born of Portuguese Maritime Lore
Perched on the north bank of the River Tagus, the Vasco da Gama Tower carries a familiar name – a tribute to one of Portugal's great navigators, Vasco da Gama. He was the first European to reach India by sea back in 1498. Raised in the bustling Parque das Nações district, the tower was unveiled during the Expo '98 World's Fair, a celebration themed around "The Oceans as a Heritage for the Future," also commemorating the 500th anniversary of da Gama's Indian landing.
From the get-go, the Vasco da Gama Tower became an enduring symbol of Portugal. Its design, crafted by Nick Jacobs and Leonor Janeiro, was meant to echo the shape of a caravel, the renowned ship used during Portugal's Age of Discovery. The tower's lofty tubular sail and metal mast conjure images of a ship preparing to take on the waters of the Tagus.
A Luxurious Haven with Marvelous Views
Standing at an impressive 145 meters, the Vasco da Gama Tower is Lisbon's and Portugal's tallest skyscraper. Its towering presence can be spotted from afar, resembling in some ways the famous Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. Originally designed as an observation tower with panoramic lifts, it offered panoramic views of the city, the Tagus river, and the Vasco de Gama bridge.
After a four-year hiatus from 2004 to 2012, the tower found new life with the launch of the Myriad by Sana luxury hotel, an extension considered to be its sister property. This lavish 5-star complex houses 186 rooms, the exquisite SAYANNA Wellness spa, and meeting rooms. You can indulge in the River Lounge Deck, the 360-degree suspended bar, and two gourmet restaurants, including Fifty Seconds, perched at the tower's summit.
The Vasco da Gama Tower is accessible via a glass lift installed on the facade. However, be warned – the ascent is a heart-pounding experience! Whether day or night, the vista is breathtaking, as long as you have no qualms about heights!
A Botanical Oasis at the Tower's Doorstep
Just behind the Vasco da Gama Tower lies the magnificent Garcia de Orta gardens, a tribute to the 16th-century Portuguese physician and naturalist with the same name. Recognized as a specialist in Indian flora, Garcia de Orta is celebrated here through a unique botanical garden, inspired by the landscapes he uncovered during Portugal's great explorations.
Divided into several zones and named after different geographical regions (Africa, Micronesia, Goa, Brazil, and Coloane), these gardens showcase numerous exotic plants like mango, pepper, banana, sugarcane, and bamboo trees. A journey through this verdant retreat provides an excellent complement to visiting the tower.
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The Vasco da Gama Tower, a symbol of Portugal's maritime lore, offers a unique blend of lifestyle and home-and-garden elements, as it stands adjacent to the Garcia de Orta botanical gardens.
With the Myriad by SANA luxury hotel inside, this en-vols tower not only presents breathtaking views of the city but also caters to those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, making it an ideal destination for a remarkable home-and-garden lifestyle experience in Lisbon.
