Category: Culture and Entertainment > Artwork
District: Braga > Vila Nova de Famalicão > Vila Nova de Famalicão > Serralho
The Monument to the Heroes of the Overseas Territories is located in Vila Nova de Famalicão, in the central area of the 1st of May Park. It is situated in the area known as Serralho, facing D. Sancho I Secondary School, in a zone that is easily accessible and integrated into the urban fabric of the town.
This site is a solemn tribute to the Famalicense combatants who served Portugal during the Overseas period, between 1961 and 1974. Inaugurated on September 29, 1968, the monument perpetuates the memory of the contribution and sacrifice of those who participated in the overseas conflicts, reinforcing the recognition of the Vila Nova de Famalicão community for its history and its citizens.
The work, authored by sculptor Vasco Pereira da Conceição, features a central bronze figure symbolizing an arm holding a sword. The pedestal supporting this piece displays the coat of arms of Vila Nova de Famalicão, also in bronze, and an inscription invoking the union of "the hand, the sword and the cross," of "the sacrifice of the flock," and "the heroism of the soldier" in guaranteeing the "perenniality of the Homeland." Complementarily, on the back of the monument, a wall displays verses from Os Lusíadas (Canto I, Stanza II), which recite: "And those who through valorous deeds / Escape the law of death," underscoring the idea of eternity achieved through acts of bravery.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.40652214, -8.52477302
Coordinates DMS: 41°24'23.5"N 08°31'29.2"W