Memorial to the Overseas Combatants

Category: Civil Architecture > Monument

District: Portalegre > Elvas > Elvas > Bairro Santo António

Location

The Overseas Combatants Memorial is located in the Santo António neighbourhood, in the city of Elvas, Portalegre district. Its urban location invites a reflective visit, integrating into the city's fabric as a point of pause and homage. This monument occupies a public space that allows visitors to approach and contemplate its symbolic dimension, in an area that reflects the daily life of the Alentejo city.

Homage and Historical Memory

This memorial was erected in dedication to the Overseas Combatants, a term that evokes the period of the Portuguese Colonial War, fought between 1961 and 1974. Its presence in Elvas is a perennial testament to the memory and sacrifice of thousands of Portuguese military personnel who served in Africa. It is a place that invites remembrance of the commitment and dedication of those who departed overseas, honouring their bravery and the impact of these conflicts on Portugal's contemporary history. The memorial thus serves as a convergence point for the nation's collective memory, a space to honour the courage of those who fought.

Meaning and Composition

As a monument of civic nature, its design aims to convey a message of respect and permanence. While the specific details of its design may vary, the primary intention is always to create a space of dignity and contemplation. It is common for such memorials to use durable materials, such as stone or metal, and to feature a sober aesthetic, which highlights the gravity and historical weight of the events it commemorates. Its form and structure are designed to inspire contemplation and a deep reflection on the value of peace and the human cost of conflicts.

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