Category: Civil Architecture > Obelisk
District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Passeio Alegre
The Obelisk of Quinta da Prelada is located in Passeio Alegre, one of the most emblematic areas of Foz do Douro, in Porto. This historic garden, situated right by the riverbank, offers a serene environment with an unobstructed view of the estuary, where the Douro meets the Atlantic. The obelisk stands out as a prominent feature in this verdant setting, inviting a contemplative pause during a stroll along the waterfront.
This monument was not designed for the location where we observe it today. The obelisk is a remnant of the former Quinta da Prelada, a vast estate that existed in the Ramalde area, also in Porto. Originally, these decorative elements (there are indications that they might have existed in pairs, or as part of a larger sculptural ensemble) served as markers or adornments on the walls and gardens of the estate, giving it a distinct architectural presence. Its relocation to Passeio Alegre, decades later, allowed a piece from a private space to become accessible to everyone, carrying with it the history of one of Porto's grand estates.
With its classic and slender form, the obelisk presents itself as a solid and vertical structure, typically conical in its upper part, culminating in a small finial. Although it may appear to be a simple decorative column, the obelisk often symbolizes permanence and the connection between the terrestrial and the celestial. In the context of Passeio Alegre, this monument takes on a new meaning: a silent link to the past, an object of contemplation that makes us reflect on the urban transformations of the city and how historical elements are preserved and recontextualized in new environments.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.14763508, -8.66832656
Coordinates DMS: 41°08'51.5"N 08°40'6.0"W