Field of the Martyrs of the Homeland

Category: Nature > Park

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Pena

Location

Campo dos Mártires da Pátria is located in one of Lisbon's central and elevated areas, in the parish of Pena. Erected on top of a slope, this space serves as a link between the valley of Avenida da Liberdade and that of Avenida Almirante Reis, giving it a distinctive position within the capital's urban fabric.

A Multifaceted History

Although its official designation refers to a specific historical moment, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria is still popularly known today by its older name: Campo de Santana. Its history is rich and varied, reflecting the city's transformations over the centuries. In the 16th century, it functioned as a slaughterhouse. Later, between 1831 and 1889, it hosted a bullring. It was also the location of the Feira da Ladra (Thieves' Market) from 1835 to 1882, and a vegetable market in the mid-19th century, illustrating the various roles this space has played in Lisbon life.

The Name and the Memory

The current designation, "Campo dos Mártires da Pátria," was established in 1879. This name commemorates a significant historical event that occurred on the site: the execution of eleven companions of Gomes Freire de Andrade in 1817. Accused of conspiring against General Beresford's government, these figures are now remembered as martyrs in the very name of the Campo, lending it a deep layer of historical symbolism.

A Green and Heritage Space

Currently, this site is a large landscaped area of about 2.6 hectares, also known as Jardim Braancamp Freire. Within the green space, a bronze statue dedicated to Dr. Sousa Martins stands out, a notable figure in Portuguese medicine known for his charitable actions. The imposing building of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Universidade Nova de Lisboa, once erected on the site of the former bullring, is also located here. Among the tree species, a remarkable Himalayan cedar stands out, affectionately nicknamed the Lovers' Tree.

Due to its historical, artistic, and scenic value, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1996, a recognition that also extends to its historical, artistic, and picturesque surroundings.

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