Pattern of John I

Category: Religious Architecture > Wayside Cross

District: Braga > Guimarães > Guimarães > Creixomil

Location

The Monument to Dom João I is located in Guimarães, in the parish of Creixomil, at the end of the street of the same name, in front of the Chapel of São Lázaro. It stands in a small square, integrating into the urban environment of the area and naturally adapting to the pavement's unevenness. Its presence marks this point of the city with an element of notable historical and architectural value.

A Historical Symbol

This monument, classified as a National Monument since 1910, is a landmark in Guimarães that evokes crucial moments in Portuguese history. Its origin is linked to Dom João I's entry into the city in 1386, after the memorable victory of Aljubarrota. It is believed that the monument was erected to mark the fulfillment of a vow made by the king to Santa Maria de Guimarães, in gratitude for the victory. Although the monument we observe today is not the original from the 15th century, it is a work from the 16th century, possibly re-erected following the Manueline charter of 1517, preserving its commemorative and symbolic intention throughout the centuries.

Architectural and Artistic Details

The Monument to Dom João I is a wayside cross sheltered by a unique structure. It rests on a quadrangular base, accessible by a few simple steps, and is covered by a square-plan porch, with four pillars supporting a Doric entablature. Inside, the dome of the porch is decorated with scallops at the angles, a detail that suggests a connection to the ancient pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. The wayside cross, made of Ançã stone, displayed a flamboyant Gothic style. On one of its faces, it was possible to observe the figure of Christ crucified under a baldachin, while on the reverse, the suffering of the Virgin Mary with Christ dead in her lap was represented. Unfortunately, the wayside cross in the center of the monument was recently damaged and is currently being evaluated for restoration, but the structure of the porch remains a testament to its beauty and significance.

Memory and Preservation

Throughout its existence, the Monument to Dom João I has undergone several interventions, revealing a constant concern for its preservation. In the mid-19th century, for example, it was in ruins and was repaired, being moved shortly after to its current position to allow for the street's alignment. These restoration and adaptation actions ensured that this landmark continued to be a tangible link to Guimarães' past. Visiting this site thus allows for direct contact with the resilience of heritage and the importance of historical memory in the urban landscape.

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