Looking to explore Portugal’s history through its iconic statues? Many visitors share the desire to connect with the country’s cultural past, but it can be hard to know where to begin. You’re not alone in this—finding the right monuments to visit can feel overwhelming.
I’ve compiled a list of significant statues across Portugal that tell powerful stories of the nation’s past. As your guide, I’ll help you navigate these monuments, making it easy to appreciate their importance.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The Statues of Dom Pedro IV in Porto and Lisbon
- Modern sculptures like O Cubo and She Changes
- Monuments dedicated to important figures in Portugal’s history
By following this guide, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Portugal’s rich cultural legacy.
Ready to explore? Let’s start!
- Statues in Porto
- 1. Statue of Dom Pedro IV (Liberdade Square)
- 2. Statue of Almeida Garrett (Porto City Hall)
- 3. Statue of Vímara Peres
- 4. Statue of Ramalho Ortigão (Jardins do Palácio de Cristal)
- 5. Monument to Bishop António Ferreira Gomes (Porto Cathedral)
- 6. Monument to the Heroes of the Peninsular War (Rotunda da Boavista)
- 7. The Cube (O Cubo) Sculpture (Ribeira Square)
- Statues in Lisbon
- Statues in Matosinhos
- Statues in Portugal: A Recap
- FAQ
Statues in Porto
1. Statue of Dom Pedro IV (Liberdade Square)
This equestrian statue honors Dom Pedro IV, who was both the king of Portugal and the first emperor of Brazil. He played a key role in the Liberal Revolution of 1820, which marked Portugal’s shift toward a constitutional monarchy.
Unveiled in 1866, the statue was originally placed in Praça da Liberdade, strengthening the connection between the city and the monarchy’s legacy.
2. Statue of Almeida Garrett (Porto City Hall)
Almeida Garrett, a prominent 19th-century poet, playwright, and intellectual, significantly influenced the Romantic movement in Portugal. His work was central to the cultural and political changes of his time. The statue in front of Porto City Hall acknowledges his important role in shaping the city’s literary world and national cultural development.
3. Statue of Vímara Peres
The Vímara Peres Statue in Porto honors the 9th-century Galician duke who helped reclaim Porto and Gaia from the Moors. Vímara Peres was key in regaining the region of Gallaecia, which included Portus Cale, now Porto.
He also founded Vimaranis, present-day Guimarães, known as the “Cradle City” of Portugal. The bronze equestrian statue, created by sculptor Salvador Barata Feyo, was unveiled in 1968.
Barata Feyo also designed other important works in Porto, like the statue of Almeida Garrett. This statue highlights Vímara Peres’ legacy and his influence on the birth of Portugal.
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4. Statue of Ramalho Ortigão (Jardins do Palácio de Cristal)
Ramalho Ortigão, a key writer, critic, and journalist, had a lasting impact on Portuguese literature and cultural criticism. The statue, situated in the tranquil Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, offers an ideal spot to reflect on his contributions while enjoying sweeping views of the city.
5. Monument to Bishop António Ferreira Gomes (Porto Cathedral)
Bishop Ferreira Gomes was a progressive figure during Portugal’s Estado Novo regime, advocating for social justice, democracy, and the rights of the oppressed. His efforts earned him great respect among the people of Porto.
Positioned near Porto Cathedral, one of the most famous buildings in Portugal, the monument reflects the intersection of religion and political activism in the country’s history.
6. Monument to the Heroes of the Peninsular War (Rotunda da Boavista)
This monument honors the soldiers who fought in the Peninsular War (1808-1814), a critical conflict in European history where Portugal, Spain, and Britain resisted Napoleon’s forces. The monument, placed in a major square, serves as a reminder of Porto’s role in the fight against Napoleon, symbolizing national strength and resilience.
7. The Cube (O Cubo) Sculpture (Ribeira Square)
O Cubo is a modern sculpture that highlights Porto’s commitment to contemporary art. Its bold, geometric design contrasts with the surrounding traditional architecture of Ribeira Square, a picturesque area in the city. The sculpture invites interaction from passersby, offering a fusion of Porto’s historic charm and modern artistic expression.
Statues in Lisbon
8. Statue of Dom Pedro IV (Lisbon)
The Statue of Dom Pedro IV stands on the Column of Pedro IV in Rossio Square. It was built in 1870 to honor Dom Pedro IV, who was also Emperor of Brazil as Pedro I. The statue shows him in a general’s uniform, wearing a laurel crown, and holding the Constitutional Charter of 1826. Four figures at the base represent Justice, Wisdom, Strength, and Moderation.
The monument’s history goes back to 1821 when a statue was first placed in the square to honor Dom Pedro IV. In 1852, a new pedestal was built, known as “o galheteiro” by locals. This was replaced in 1864.
The statue now on top was originally meant for Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico. However, it was later used to honor Dom Pedro IV. The details of the statue, like the Portuguese Coat of Arms, show its connection to the king.
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9. Christ the King (Almada)
The Christ the King monument in Almada, located 133 meters above the Tagus River, provides stunning views of Lisbon. Completed in 1959, the 28-meter statue of Christ faces the city with arms open.
The pedestal includes a chapel and an observation deck, offering views of Lisbon and the 25 de Abril Bridge. The site also has a Sanctuary and a visitors’ center.
10. Sacadura Cabral And Gago Coutinho Monument
The Monument to the First Aerial Crossing of the South Atlantic is located on Brasília Avenue in the Belém district of Lisbon, Portugal. It commemorates the historic 1922 aerial crossing of the South Atlantic by Gago Coutinho and Sacadura Cabral.
The monument includes a stainless steel replica of the Fairey III biplane they flew, along with life-sized busts of the aviators. The design was created by architects Martins Bairrada and Leopoldo Soares Branc, and sculptor Domingos Soares Branco. It was unveiled in 1991, honoring this important achievement in Portuguese aviation history.
11. Escultura de Fernando Pessoa
The Fernando Pessoa statue stands in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto. Sculpted by Lagoa Henriques, it was first designed with Pessoa’s left arm raised. During a break, Henriques opened a book of Pessoa’s poems and found the line “A mão presa sobre a mesa” (“The hand placed on the table”).
He felt inspired and changed the arm to rest on the table. The statue was unveiled on June 13, 1988, on the 100th anniversary of Pessoa’s birth. Mário Soares, the President of Portugal at the time, attended the ceremony.
Statues in Matosinhos
12. The She Changes (Anémona)
She Changes, or Anémona is a modern sculpture in Matosinhos, near Porto, created by Janet Echelman. The sculpture was unveiled in 2001 and features three steel poles, a 20-ton steel ring, and a net made of 36 sections in different densities. It honors the area’s seafaring and industrial history.
The poles are painted to look like smokestacks and lighthouses, while the net symbolizes the city’s fishing industry. The net is made from TENARA, a UV-resistant material. Weighing 1.5 tonnes, the sculpture was disassembled for repairs in 2020 and reassembled in 2021 with new netting.
Statues in Portugal: A Recap
Portugal is home to a wide range of statues that highlight its rich cultural history, significant events, and artistic achievements. From the iconic statue of Christ the King in Lisbon to the notable sculptures across the country, each monument reflects important moments in Portugal’s past.
Visiting these statues reveals the stories of important figures and events. Statues like those of Dom Pedro IV and Almeida Garrett in Lisbon honor the country’s leaders, thinkers, and creators. In cities like Porto and Matosinhos, modern sculptures stand alongside older ones, showcasing Portugal’s evolving art scene.
Exploring these statues helps visitors connect with Portuguese culture and history. Each monument tells a story, offering a meaningful way to appreciate the country’s legacy while recognizing its modern spirit.
