Category: Civil Architecture > Memorial
District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Baixa do Porto
The monument to Dom Pedro IV stands in the heart of downtown Porto, in the vast and emblematic Praça da Liberdade (Liberty Square). This square constitutes one of the central axes of the city, marking a meeting point and an area of high influx. Its privileged location grants the monument remarkable visibility, framed by the vibrant urban environment surrounding it.
In the center of Praça da Liberdade, visitors find the imposing equestrian statue of Dom Pedro IV. The monarch's figure appears dressed in a military uniform and a frock coat, elements that comprised his usual attire. In his right hand, the Emperor holds the Constitutional Charter of 1826, a symbol of the liberal cause he defended. His left hand controls the horse's reins, conveying a sense of control and determination.
The statue's pedestal serves as a base for two important bas-relief representations, forged in bronze. One of these scenes illustrates the moment of the landing at Mindelo, a crucial event in the fight for the liberal cause, where Dom Pedro IV hands the flag to Tomás de Mello Breyner. The other representation evokes the symbolic act of Dom Pedro's heart being given to the city of Porto, a gesture of deep appreciation and recognition for its resilience and support during the most difficult times of the Siege of Porto. These works narrate historical moments that cemented the monarch's connection to the city.
This notable work of public art was created by the sculptor Célestin Anatole Calmels and inaugurated on October 19, 1866. The statue, about ten meters high and weighing approximately five tons, is entirely cast in bronze. The original bas-reliefs, initially in Carrara marble, were replaced by bronze replicas to ensure their preservation, attesting to the concern for the maintenance of this heritage. The monument is classified as a Property of Public Interest, underlining its cultural and historical relevance.
The monument to Dom Pedro IV transcends the mere representation of a historical figure; it is a powerful symbol of the connection between the monarch and the city of Porto. By bequeathing his heart to the city, Dom Pedro recognized the fundamental role of the people of Porto in defending liberal ideals, especially during the Siege. The statue in Praça da Liberdade perpetuates this memory, marking the king's gratitude and the spirit of resistance and freedom that characterized Porto's history.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.146457635484, -8.6114021258065
Coordinates DMS: 41°08'47.2"N 08°36'41.0"W
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