To the Heroes Overseas

Category: Civil Architecture > Monument

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Pedrouços

Location:

This monument is located in the Pedrouços area, in Lisbon, a riverside area near the mouth of the Tagus River. Its position offers a wide and peaceful view of the estuary, framing the memorial within a landscape of great serenity. It is situated near the Bom Sucesso Fort, integrated into the riverside front of the Belém area.

A Tribute to Memory:

Inaugurated on January 15, 1994, the monument "To the Heroes of the Overseas" was erected to honor the military personnel who served Portugal in the overseas campaigns. It represents a posthumous and lasting recognition to those who defended the homeland, perpetuating their sacrifice in collective memory. Since its inauguration, on June 10 of each year, the site hosts the National Combatants' Meeting, a moment of deep evocation and unity.

Conception and Symbolism:

The work, conceived by the team of architect Francisco José Ferreira Guedes de Carvalho and with the collaboration of sculptor João Antero de Almeida, stands out for its abstract and geometric approach. The central element is a monumental triangular portico, which rises with sobriety and verticality. This is complemented by a lake, where the water evokes the vastness of the ocean and the distance that often separated the combatants from their homeland.

At the heart of the structure, the Flame of the Homeland remains lit, symbolizing the eternity of memory and the spirit of Portugal. The choice of materials, such as stone and metal, reinforces the memorial's impressiveness and durability, inviting reflection on the history and the value of the sacrifice honored here.

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