Porto's Monuments and Statues (Self Guided), Porto

The Statue of Prince Henry the Navigator in Porto stands as a tribute to one of the country's most renowned maritime pioneers. Unveiled in 1894 and crafted by sculptor Tomás Costa, this monument honors the 14th-century prince who played a pivotal role in establishing Portugal as a global economic powerhouse through his numerous maritime discoveries.

Prince Henry, born in 1394 as the fifth son of King John I, the founder of the Dynasty of Avis, was a visionary master seaman. His expeditions secured vital trade routes and opened the doors to the vast riches of Africa, notably gold from the Ivory Coast. His achievements earned him prestigious titles, including the leadership of the Order of Christ.

Located near the Ribeira section of Porto, the statue is prominently positioned on a tall pedestal, with Prince Henry depicted turning towards the ocean, his posture commanding and directive, as if issuing orders to his crew. The pedestal is adorned with intricate relief sculptures that narrate significant moments from Prince Henry's life, encapsulating his legacy as a trailblazer of Portugal’s maritime dominance in the Age of Discovery.

The Vímara Peres Statue in Porto is a powerful tribute to the 9th-century Galician duke known for his pivotal role in the reconquest of Porto and Gaia from Moorish control. Vímara Peres, a vassal of King Alfonso III of Asturias, was instrumental in reclaiming the western coastal region of Gallaecia, stretching from the Minho River to the Douro River, which included the strategic city of Portus Cale. This area would eventually become known as Porto, the namesake of Portugal. Notably, Vímara Peres founded the fortified town of Vimaranis, which evolved into present-day Guimarães, often referred to as "The Cradle City" of Portugal.

Crafted by renowned sculptor Salvador Barata Feyo (1899-1990), the bronze equestrian statue was unveiled in 1968. Barata Feyo, an influential figure in Portuguese sculpture, was also responsible for several other significant works in Porto, such as the statue of the politician Almeida Garrett in front of Porto City Hall and various statues at the Palace of Justice (Palácio da Justiça).

The statue of Vímara Peres captures the essence of this legendary nobleman, celebrating his historical legacy and the enduring impact of his reconquests. It serves as a prominent reminder of the roots of Portuguese nationhood, firmly anchored in the city of Porto, where the name and spirit of Portugal first took shape.

The Newspaper Vendor Statue (Estátua do Ardina) is a charming bronze sculpture located at the bottom of Freedom Square (Praça da Liberdade), on the corner near Saint Benedict (São Bento) station in Porto. Created by Manuel Dias in 1990, this life-size statue honors the "ardina," a traditional newspaper seller who once roamed the streets of Porto, bringing the latest news to locals before the advent of the internet and television. The newspaper vendor is depicted in a classic pose—leaning casually against a red post box, with a newspaper in one hand and a bag slung over his shoulder—a nostalgic nod to a time when news traveled in print, not pixels.

A popular spot for tourists and locals alike, this statue is a beloved reminder of Porto’s past, capturing the old-world charm of the city. While it might be easy to overlook, nestled just around the corner from the bustling railway station, the statue’s quaint and unassuming presence makes it one of the most photographed in Porto. It stands as a tribute to the everyday workers of the past, particularly the low-paid newspaper vendors who once gathered near the former headquarters of the Porto Commerce newspaper.

Despite the mass trend of statues honoring everyday professions across Europe, the Newspaper Vendor Statue remains special to Porto. It has endured its fair share of challenges, including numerous collisions by careless drivers, which led to a significant repair in 2004. As print media continues to decline, this statue serves as a poignant reminder of the ardinas' role in Porto’s history, making it a must-see for those exploring the city’s cultural landmarks.

The King Peter IV Monument, located in Freedom Square (Praça da Liberdade) in Porto, is a prominent tribute to one of Portugal's most significant monarchs, King Pedro IV, also known as Dom Pedro I of Brazil. Inaugurated in October 1866, this monument has been recognized as a Property of Public Interest since 1982, reflecting its cultural and historical significance.

The centerpiece of the monument is a striking bronze statue crafted by French sculptor Célestin Anatole Calmels, set atop a towering 10-meter column of Lioz stone designed by architect Joaquim da Costa Lima. The statue, fused in Belgium, depicts King Pedro IV in military uniform on horseback, proudly holding the constitutional charter in his right hand—a symbol of his dedication to the liberal cause and the constitutional values he upheld during the Liberal Wars.

The monument’s column features intricate details, including two-sided pedestals with low reliefs originally made of Carrara marble, now replaced with bronze duplicates for preservation. These reliefs portray significant moments from Pedro IV's life: the delivery of his heart to Porto's representatives and his landing at Mindelo, where he handed the flag to Tomás de Melo Breyner. Additionally, the coats of arms of Bragança and Porto adorn the front and back of the column, framed by oak and bay leaves, adding to the monument's regal and symbolic presence.

King Pedro IV was born on October 12, 1798, in Queluz. He was the fourth child of King Dom João VI of Portugal and Infanta Charlotte of Spain. As the founder of the Brazilian branch of the House of Braganza and a figure deeply intertwined with the histories of both Portugal and Brazil, Pedro IV’s legacy is commemorated through this grand monument, forever linking him to the city of Porto, which he cherished and defended.

On a bright sunny day, en route to the City Hall, one can't help noticing gleaming against the deep azure of the sky, an eye-catching figure of a young, naked female sitting on top of a very tall, lovely stone base. The attraction is called Fonte da Juventude Menina Nua (The Fountain of Youth or Naked Girl) and was created by the Portuguese sculptor, Henrique Moreira. Other than the girl itself, the fountain sculpture features four bronze male heads, the girl's feet resting upon one of them, from which the water is spouting and pouring down to the bottom of the base.

The fountain was completed in 1929 and was a bit controversial at the time, since Portugal was under the Salazar dictatorship, when censorship was rife and the church was very powerful. Still, the social standing of the sculptor enabled the statue to be erected in Avenida dos Aliados where it remains to this day.

A local girl, called Aurélia Magalhães Monteiro, then aged 19, was the model. She was also known as Lela, Lelinha, or "Ceguinha do 9" – a reference to Block 9, in the Pasteleira district, where she lived. Died in 1992, at age 82, Lela is still very much alive in this and many other statues that she posed for.

An interesting structure, well worth a stop!

The Fountain of the Lions (Fonte dos Leões) is a striking 19th-century fountain in gardened Gomes Teixeira Square in Porto. This ornate fountain, cast by the Val d’Osne foundry in France, is a near replica of a fountain found in the Town Hall Square of Leicester, England. The project was initiated following a competition in 1880, organized by Porto's municipal water authority. The final design by Carlos de Pezerat was approved in 1885, and construction began on 25 September 1885. The fountain became operational on 19 December 1886, with the larger public water supply project for Porto concluding by January 1887.

The fountain features a cruciform layout and is adorned with four seated lions at its base, each positioned at the extremes of the structure. Between the lions, a column with a base, shaft, and capital supports the structure. The fountain's upper section includes two staggered circular basins crowned by a pine cone. Its granite tank is octagonal with rounded, corrugated edges, and the lower basin’s rim is decorated with a frieze of plant motifs interrupted by cornets that direct the water flow.

Initially a vital part of the city's water supply, by 1942, the fountain's role shifted away from its original purpose as it began to draw water from the Arca de Sá Noronha. Today, it stands as an isolated urban landmark, embodying both historical and architectural significance in Porto’s urban landscape.

The Ramalho Ortigão Statue in Porto is a tribute to José Duarte Ramalho Ortigão, a prominent 19th-century Portuguese journalist and writer. This marble statue stands proudly at one of the entrances to the Cordoaria Garden (Jardim da Cordoaria), directly across from the Carmelite Church (Igreja do Carmo), marking a prominent spot in the city's historic landscape.

Born in Porto in 1836, Ramalho Ortigão became a significant figure in Portuguese journalism and literature. Starting his career in 1862 as a literary critic for the Porto Diary (Diário do Porto), Ortigão was deeply immersed in the Romanticism movement, a dominant trend at the time, influenced by key literary figures like Camilo Castelo Branco and Soares de Passos. Beyond journalism, he contributed to various literary magazines, worked as a translator, and made a notable mark with his 1874 Portuguese translation of Edward Jenkins' satirical novel, Ginx's Baby. Throughout his life, Ortigão was known for his lively and sharp writing style, penning numerous books that cemented his place in Portuguese literature. He passed away in Lisbon in 1915.

The statue, crafted by sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida, was inaugurated in 1954. It features Ortigão atop a granite pedestal, honoring his legacy and contribution to Portuguese culture. The monument not only celebrates Ortigão's literary achievements but also serves as a historical landmark, reflecting the cultural fabric of Porto.

The António Ferreira Gomes Statue in Porto stands as a tribute to a fearless advocate for social justice and freedom of expression. Located in front of Cordoaria Garden (Jardim da Cordoaria), just steps from the iconic Clérigos Tower, this statue captures the spirit of Dom António Ferreira Gomes, who served as the Bishop of Porto from 1952 to 1982. Crafted by Porto sculptor Arlindo Rocha in 1979, the statue depicts Gomes, noted for his distinctive glasses and unyielding stance against the Estado Novo dictatorship.

Gomes was not just a religious leader; he was a vocal critic of the regime, famously confronting António de Oliveira Salazar with a critical letter that ultimately led to his exile from 1959 to 1969. This tenacity and courage have made his statue a subtle yet powerful landmark in Porto, symbolizing his unwavering commitment to social causes.

The statue's placement near the Clérigos Tower is deliberate, ensuring that Gomes' legacy is not overlooked by passersby. While the statue itself stands 4 meters tall against the 75-meter height of the tower, the illusion of grandeur is enhanced by the perspective from pavement level, making Gomes appear almost as monumental as the causes he championed.

When it comes to sculptural attractions, Jardim da Cordoaria – commonly regarded as one of the prettiest parks in Porto – stands really tall among other public parks in the country and further afield. In large part, this is due to the presence here of the so-called "Thirteen Laughing at Each Other" (known in Portuguese as Treze a Rir uns dos Outros), a collection of four sets of bronze and steel benches distributed throughout the garden, with a total 13 figures of men thereupon.

Utterly captivating and totally at home in the park setting, these almost life-size sculptures depict various individuals, all with the same expression of a hilarious laugh. Each figure – two or three of them per bench – shows a different pose. One figure is lying upside down – whether pushed over or fallen by himself, rolled over with laughter, it is not known. What is known is that the sculptural ensemble was created by Juan Muñoz, reportedly to commemorate the liberal freedom fighters executed in this park, back in 1829.

Whether true or not, you can ask these ageless men yourself, whenever out for a walk in Jardim da Cordoaria; or else just sit next to them and take a funny photo, or have a good laugh.