Valdevez Archery Tournament Monument

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Artwork

District: Viana do Castelo > Arcos de Valdevez > Arcos de Valdevez > Faquelo

Location

The Arcos de Valdevez Tournament Monument is located in the Faquelo area, within the town of Arcos de Valdevez. It is situated in Campo do Trasladário, right on Avenida Recontro de Valdevez. This central and open location, in an uncluttered urban space, offers a broad perspective and facilitates the observation of the work's grandeur.

A Historical Landmark

This monument marks one of the most significant moments in the formation of Portugal: the Recontro de Valdevez (Encounter of Valdevez), which took place around 1140. More than a traditional battle, this event was a "bafordo", a type of medieval tournament where knights from the forces of D. Afonso Henriques and Emperor Afonso VII of León and Castile demonstrated their skill and prowess in combat. The episode was decisive, with the Portuguese knights capturing some of their adversaries, culminating in a diplomatic agreement that avoided a large-scale conflict and paved the way for the consolidation of the nascent kingdom's independence.

The Sculpture and Its Symbolism

Authored by the distinguished sculptor José Rodrigues, this monument is a bronze equestrian sculpture that conveys the grandeur and spirit of the era. The work captures the strength and dignity of those involved in the Recontro de Valdevez, immortalizing the event's importance for Portuguese identity. The equestrian figure, with its remarkable presence in the public space, evokes the bravery and strategic intelligence that shaped the nation's destiny, serving as a point of reflection on the historical past of the region and the country.

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