Armillary Sphere

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Artwork

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa

Location

In the riverside area of Lisbon, where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic, lies this striking sculptural element. Its presence is noticeable in an area steeped in maritime history, with vast open spaces along the bank, ideal for a walk or for contemplating the vastness of the estuary. The surroundings are dominated by a sense of grandeur and a connection to the city's explorative past, offering open perspectives and an inviting atmosphere for reflection on the great voyages.

A Historic Emblem of Portugal

The Armillary Sphere transcends its purely decorative form, being one of the most symbolically charged symbols in Portuguese history. Its adoption as an emblem dates back to the reign of D. Manuel I, a period of glory for the kingdom. It then became an unequivocal representation of Portugal's naval, economic, and political power. This symbolism endured and solidified, making the Armillary Sphere a central element in the national flag itself today, a testament to its indelible relevance to the country's identity.

The Anatomy of an Ancient Universe

Upon closer examination, the Armillary Sphere is a sophisticated representation of the cosmos as understood in antiquity, following the vision of the astronomer Ptolemy. At the center, a small sphere symbolizes the Earth. Around it, various rings, the armillas (which give the instrument its name), trace the principal celestial circles: meridians vertically, and the equator, tropics, and polar circles horizontally. A diagonal band, sometimes artistically depicted with different inclinations, shows the apparent path of the sun and the constellations of the zodiac, revealing a view of the universe where astronomy and astrology intertwined.

Inspiring Journeys and Knowledge

Beyond its intrinsic beauty and iconic presence, the Armillary Sphere was a crucial instrument during the Age of Discoveries. Although its cosmological representation was geocentric, this didactic and scientific tool allowed navigators of the time to orient themselves and understand the heavens during their audacious journeys. Observing this symbol in Lisbon is, in a way, connecting with the audacity and spirit of hope that propelled Portugal in the expansion of its domains and the deepening of knowledge of the known world.

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