Memorial to the Shipwrecked

Category: Civil Architecture > Memorial

District: Porto > Vila do Conde > Vila do Conde > Bairro Piscatório

Location

The Memorial to the Shipwrecked is located in the Fishing Quarter of Caxinas, an area of Vila do Conde deeply rooted in fishing activity. Its position on the waterfront allows visitors an unobstructed view of the Atlantic coast, integrating into an environment that naturally evokes the life and challenges of the sea. This location in the heart of the fishing community highlights its significance and its connection with the residents.

A Permanent Tribute

This monument is a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives at sea. Erected to honor the memory of fishermen from Vila do Conde and other fishing communities, it symbolizes the sacrifice of many who ventured into the ocean, both in Portuguese waters and in other parts of the globe. Caxinas, being one of the largest fishing communities in the country, is the chosen location for this symbol of respect and remembrance. The structure of the memorial, which evokes the shape of a boat, is composed of multiple crosses, each representing a life lost in the unforgiving waters.

Design and Message

Designed by architect Manuel Maia Gomes, the Memorial to the Shipwrecked was inaugurated on November 16, 2014, a date that coincides with National Sea Day, reinforcing its deep connection to the maritime world. Its design seeks to perpetuate the memory and sacrifice of the men of the sea. On the monument, a phrase is engraved that invites reflection on loss and the perpetuity of memory: "The sea returns a memory of you to me. And in it, I reclaim you for eternity.” This inscription underlines the connection between the community, the ocean, and the remembrance of those who departed.

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