Memorial Arch

Category: Civil Architecture > Arch

District: Setúbal > Palmela > Pinhal Novo > Centro

Location:

The Arch Memorial is located in Pinhal Novo, in the municipality of Palmela, integrated into Avenida dos Ferroviários. This location, within the Val’Flores urbanisation, places it at the heart of the town's urban life, making it easily accessible for those strolling through the centre.

The Legacy of a Bridge:

This memorial pays homage to a structure once central to the town: the old Arch of the Olivença Street Bridge. Built in the 1930s, the arch held profound significance and great sentimental value for the inhabitants of Pinhal Novo. Its presence marked the local landscape until it was dismantled between 2002 and 2003, due to the construction works for the new railway station. Despite efforts to preserve or relocate it, this was not possible. However, a fundamental part of the arch, its original ashlar stone, was carefully safeguarded, serving as the base for the creation of the memorial that stands here today.

Memories in Stone:

The Arch Memorial is a collective work of art that translates the history and experiences of the local community. Composed of eight sculptural elements, it was conceived by artists such as Kim Prisu, João Palmela, and Pedro Botelho, who skillfully interpreted the testimonies and photographs collected from the population. Each of these pieces evokes diverse narratives, representing the memory of a time when the old arch was a meeting and leisure point. It was a place for dating, for children's games, where one would slide down the buttress, and even for sharing, with used shoes left for those who needed them most. Thus, this memorial is not just a structure, but a tangible repository of the stories and community spirit that marked generations in Pinhal Novo.

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