Customs Guard Statue

Category: Civil Architecture > Statue

District: Faro > Alcoutim > Alcoutim > Alcoutim e Pereiro

Location

The Customs Guard Statue is strategically located in the charming village of Alcoutim, a point of singular beauty on the right bank of the Guadiana River. This location is intrinsically linked to the monument's historical function, as the river serves as the natural border with Spain, visible from various points in the locality. The monument is set within an environment of riverine serenity, contributing to the calm and picturesque atmosphere that characterizes this Algarve village.

Symbolism and Historical Legacy

This monument pays a heartfelt tribute to the figure of the Customs Guard, a military corps that played a crucial role in the surveillance and control of Portuguese borders, particularly in customs inspection and the fight against smuggling. In Alcoutim, a quintessential border town, the presence of a statue dedicated to this force evokes a past where the passage of goods and people was strictly regulated and monitored. It thus symbolizes the historical importance of the town as a control post and the legacy of a profession vital for national sovereignty and economy.

The figure represents the memory of an era when life on the border was shaped by the constant presence of these guards, serving as a material testament to the dedication and fulfilled duty of these professionals for the sake of order and legality on the country's demarcation lines.

The Figure and Its Evocation

The statue, by its mere presence in the urban fabric of Alcoutim, invites reflection on the history and identity of the region. Although the specific artistic details of the work may vary, its importance lies in the lasting tribute it pays. By observing this representation, visitors are transported to a historical-social context where border control was a daily reality, allowing for a greater understanding of Alcoutim's particularity and role in the national and Iberian panorama. It is a landmark that solidifies the local narrative and its connection with the Customs Guard.

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