Statue of Princess Salúquia

Category: Civil Architecture > Statue

District: Beja > Moura > Moura > Quinta de Santo António da Pipa

Location

The Statue of Princess Salúquia is located in the city of Moura, specifically in the Quinta de Santo António da Pipa urbanization. This area, integrated into the local environment, provides a tranquil setting for observing the statue, inviting contemplation and immersion in the stories that shaped the city.

The Inspiring Legend

The name of the city of Moura is intimately linked to an ancient Moorish legend, centered on the figure of Princess Salúquia. Daughter of the city's Muslim governor, Salúquia was in love with Bráfama, the alcaide of Aroche. On the eve of their wedding, as Bráfama and his retinue were heading to Moura, they were ambushed by Christian knights, who surprised them and killed Bráfama. Subsequently, the Christians, cunningly, dressed themselves in the garments of the defeated Muslim warriors and advanced on the city.

From the top of the castle tower, Princess Salúquia spotted the group of knights and, believing it to be her beloved and his retinue, ordered the fortress gates to be opened. As soon as they entered, the Christian knights took the castle by surprise. Upon realizing the terrible truth and Bráfama's irreparable death, the princess, in deep despair, threw herself from the tower with the city keys in her hands, ending her life.

Symbol of Moura

This tragic story of love and loss has become one of the pillars of Moura's identity. Tradition tells that the Rodrigues brothers, Christian noblemen who led the city's conquest, moved by the legend narrated to them, renamed the place as "Terra da Moura Salúquia" (Land of the Moorish Salúquia), a name that evolved over time to the current designation of Moura. The Statue of Princess Salúquia thus serves as a vivid memorial to this founding narrative, a permanent reminder of the past and the stories that, even today, shape the region's identity and culture.

Artistic Representation

The statue is a tribute to the legendary figure of Princess Salúquia, representing her central role in Moura's history and imagination. Conceived to evoke the princess's beauty and tragedy, this artistic work invites reflection on the events that, according to tradition, gave the city its name. It is a point of cultural interest that enriches the journey of those visiting Moura, offering a visual bridge to one of Alentejo's most touching legends and reinforcing the city's connection to its past.

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