John I

Category: Civil Architecture > Memorial

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Santa Justa

Location

The statue of D. João I stands imposingly in Praça da Figueira, a wide and open space in the heart of Lisbon's Baixa district. Although the designated area is "Santa Justa," this square is very close to the famous Santa Justa Lift, forming an integral part of the city's central dynamic. The location is easily accessible and offers an unobstructed view of the square, being a natural thoroughfare in Lisbon's daily life.

The Monarch in the Square

This equestrian bronze representation of D. João I was inaugurated at the end of 1971. The large-scale work reaches 6.5 meters in height and was created by sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida, with the pedestal designed by architect Jorge Segurado. The king's figure is portrayed with the confident and heroic stance of a warrior, wielding a scepter, a symbol of his authority. His Roman-style helmet and military armor highlight his image of defense and leadership. The horse, in turn, presents its head lowered, in a gesture that conveys obedience to its rider. The shields of the tenth Portuguese king adorn his attire and the animal's harness itself, underscoring his connection to the crown.

Memory of Independence

The statue's pedestal is more than a mere support; it is a narrative element with inscriptions and two medallions that honor crucial figures of his time: Nuno Álvares Pereira and João das Regras. These figures were pillars in D. João I's affirmation as king and in the defense of Portuguese independence, during a period of great instability known as the 1383-1385 crisis. The monument, therefore, serves as a physical reminder of that critical moment in national history, when Portugal was without a king and its autonomy was at risk. The presence of these two allies, alongside D. João I, symbolizes the union of forces that enabled the preservation of the nation.

The Legacy of the Master of Avis

The statue of D. João I in Praça da Figueira celebrates the first monarch of the House of Avis, a dynasty that profoundly marked the history of Portugal. D. João I's reign is remembered for the decisive victory in the Battle of Aljubarrota, which sealed the country's independence from Castile, and for the beginning of Portuguese overseas expansion. It was under his purview that conquests began in North Africa, notably Ceuta in 1415, and that his children, known as the Illustrious Generation, would play crucial roles in the Age of Discoveries. The statue is, therefore, a recognition of his foundational role and his importance in shaping Portugal's destiny.

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