To the Heroes of the Peninsular War

Category: Civil Architecture > Memorial

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Alvalade > Campo Grande

Location

This imposing monument is located in Entrecampos Square, one of the central points of the city of Lisbon, serving as the entrance to the Campo Grande area. Situated in the parish of Alvalade, it constitutes a visible and accessible landmark in the urban fabric, standing out in the landscape as an important point of reference for those traversing this area of the capital.

Memory and History

The monument was erected to celebrate and honor the memory of the heroes of the Peninsular War, a crucial period in Portugal's history that took place between 1807 and 1814. It pays tribute to the Portuguese people and army who, with courage and determination, rose up against the French Invasions, fighting for the independence and sovereignty of the country. It is a permanent testament to the spirit of national resistance and the importance of the people's unity in defense of their land.

Art and Symbolism

Approximately twelve meters high, the monument is a remarkable work in stone and bronze. It consists of a lioz stone base upon which rise intricate bronze sculptures, designed to evoke sacrifice and triumph. On its main pedestal, facing south, the dedication "To the People and Heroes of the Peninsular War" is inscribed, accompanied by the inscription "Popular uprising for Independence, June 1808," recalling the beginning of the revolt.

The sculptural composition is rich in symbolism: on the south base, a group of figures, including civilians, friars, and soldiers, swear to defend the homeland over the tomb of Vasco da Gama. On the north face, a portico is visible with a representation of the tomb of Luís Vaz de Camões, underscoring the connection to Portuguese identity and history. The top of the work is crowned by twelve shields representing cities that actively participated in the conflicts. At the highest point, a set of nine bronze figures surround the personification of the Portuguese Fatherland, standing five meters tall, who wields a double-edged sword, snatching the national flag from the clutches of the Napoleonic eagle in a gesture of victory. The project was authored by architect Francisco de Oliveira Ferreira and sculptor José de Oliveira Ferreira.

The Creation of a Symbol

The idea for the construction of this monument arose from a public competition launched in 1908, aiming to commemorate the heroic deeds of the Peninsular War and honor the national spirit. Although the first stone was laid in the same year, symbolizing the start of an ambitious project, the realization of the work was a lengthy process, reflecting its scale and detail. The monument was finally completed in November 1932 and solemnly inaugurated on January 8, 1933, becoming a lasting symbol of the perseverance and collective memory of the Portuguese nation.

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