Monument to the Dead of the Great War

Category: Civil Architecture > Monument

District: Aveiro > Aveiro > Aveiro > Vera Cruz

Location

The Monument to the Dead of the Great War is located in the city of Aveiro, in the parish of Vera Cruz. It is situated at a central and easily accessible point on Avenida Dr. Lourenço Peixinho, one of the city's main arteries. Its position, at the intersection with Rua Conselheiro Luís Magalhães, makes it a visible landmark in Aveiro's urban environment.

Memory of a Conflict

This monument was erected as a heartfelt tribute to the soldiers from the municipality of Aveiro who lost their lives in the Great War (1914-1918). Its construction, initiated around 1927 and driven by the Municipal Council, reflects a national movement of remembrance and recognition of combatants, particularly in the decade following the Armistice. It is a space for recollection that invites reflection on the history and sacrifice of past generations.

Artistic Expression and Symbolism

Designed by the sculptor José Sousa Caldas, the monument is a remarkable example of the Modernist style. It stands out for its composition in granite, limestone, and bronze, materials that provide robustness and durability. The figure of a soldier in a firing position crowns the ensemble, resting on a limestone pedestal. This pedestal, with simple and stylized lines, displays in relief the coat of arms of the city of Aveiro and details such as carved ammunition. The oval shape of the base and the alternation between volumes with marked edges and rounded forms are striking characteristics of its design. On the upper part of the pedestal, the names of the soldiers from the municipality who died in combat are inscribed in bas-relief, highlighting the individuality of each loss.

Legacy and Preservation

The monument was inaugurated on April 27, 1934, in a solemn ceremony attended by various civilian and military figures, including Dr. Lourenço Simões Peixinho, then president of the Municipal Council and a central figure in the realization of the work. Recently, during renovation works on Avenida Dr. Lourenço Peixinho, an original document from 1933 was discovered inside the statue. This document reiterated the intention to honor the "sons of this Municipality who were killed on the battlefield of the Great War," a finding that reinforces the monument's lasting purpose of preserving the memory and honor of those who served, ensuring that their legacy remains alive for future generations.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt