Marcelino Mesquita

Category: Civil Architecture > Monument

District: Santarém > Cartaxo > Cartaxo > Cartaxo e Vale da Pinta

Location

The monument to Marcelino Mesquita is located in Praça 15 de Dezembro, a prominent and central space in the town of Cartaxo. Situated in the most established area of the municipality, this square is a clear landmark in the town, allowing visitors to observe the statue within the context of daily life in Cartaxo.

A Multifaceted Figure

Marcelino Mesquita (1856-1919), born and died in Cartaxo, distinguished himself as one of the prominent intellectual figures of his time. Although he studied Medicine, it was in the fields of literature and politics that he left his most significant mark. He was a prolific playwright, poet, and writer, whose work contributed to the Portuguese cultural landscape at the turn of the 19th to the 20th century. His versatility also extended to journalism and public life, having represented his region as a deputy.

The Monument and Local Memory

In Cartaxo, the memory of Marcelino Mesquita is perpetuated through a monument located in Praça 15 de Dezembro. This statue, inaugurated on December 2, 1956, is the work of sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida. Its erection was a local initiative, aiming to honor a figure who, through his life and work, maintained a strong connection to his homeland. The monument serves as a point of contemplation of his life and his contribution to Portuguese culture.

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