Memorial to the Combatants of the Great War

Category: Civil Architecture > Statue

District: Portalegre > Elvas > Elvas > Bairro da Boa-Fé

Location

The Great War Combatants' Memorial is located in Elvas, in a peaceful urban area known as Bairro da Boa-Fé. It is situated in Largo dos Combatentes da Grande Guerra, a space that invites reflection and offers a serene environment in the heart of the city.

A Symbol of Memory

This memorial was erected in honour of the citizens of Elvas who participated in the First World War. Its creation, dating back to 1938, reflected the community's desire to perpetuate the memory and sacrifice of those who fought.

The site where the memorial stands holds additional historical significance, as it was once the location of the old church of Nossa Senhora da Paz, thus integrating a new layer of memory into the urban fabric of Elvas.

Sculptural Details and the Message

The memorial's structure is topped by the Cross of Christ, an element with strong national symbolism, which incorporates the Portuguese shield at the point of intersection. At its lower part, a marble plaque, adorned with decorative elements reminiscent of ropework, displays the coat of arms of the city of Elvas.

The inscription engraved in the marble is the central point of the piece, where one can read: "To perpetuate the glorious memory of the dead of the Great War natives of the municipality of Elvas 1914-1918". This message highlights the memorial's purpose: to honour the fallen combatants originating from the municipality of Elvas during the period of the First World War.

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