To the Dead of the Great War

Category: Civil Architecture > Memorial

District: Braga > Vila Nova de Famalicão > Vila Nova de Famalicão > Serralho

Location

The Monument to the Dead of the Great War stands in Praça 9 de Abril, a central and significant location in Vila Nova de Famalicão. Integrated into the urban development of Serralho, this public space reflects the dynamism of the locality, offering a point of contemplation in the heart of the city and the municipality.

Memory and Tribute

This monument was conceived as a heartfelt tribute to the people of Famalicão who perished in the First World War. Its existence underscores the local community's connection to major events in world history, honouring the memory of combatants who gave their lives, many of them in the tragic Battle of La Lys.

The decision to erect this memorial arose from a national initiative in 1920, reflecting a collective desire for recognition. Four years later, on April 9, 1924, the monument was solemnly inaugurated, marking the sixth anniversary of the aforementioned battle.

The Monument and Urban Design

Designed by the architect João Machado, the monument harmoniously integrates into Praça 9 de Abril. Its construction not only enriched the local heritage but also prompted a change in the identity of the square itself, which in 1927 adopted its current name, Praça 9 de Abril, in allusion to the date of the battle and the inauguration of the memorial.

Recently, the monument underwent a careful restoration, completed around its centenary in April 2024. This conservation effort ensures its integrity and reaffirms the commitment to preserving historical memory for future generations.

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