Dom Afonso Henriques

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Artwork

District: Viseu > Viseu > Ranhados > Carvalhal

Location

The monument to Dom Afonso Henriques is situated in one of Viseu's main roundabouts, in the Carvalhal area, which belongs to the locality of Ranhados. Its position, close to the Palácio do Gelo shopping center and on Estrada de Nelas, gives it high visibility and easy access, marking one of the city's most modern entrances. It is a landmark set in a current urban environment, through which many residents and visitors circulate daily.

The Symbolic Figure

Inaugurated in 2014, this work of art by sculptor Augusto Tomás represents the first king of Portugal in a remarkably contemporary way, prioritizing symbolism over a more naturalistic representation. The figure of Dom Afonso Henriques is presented with the attributes of a warrior: he wields a sturdy sword, shields himself with a shield adorned with a Latin cross, and wears a protective helmet. The body of the statue, forged in metal, has an interesting peculiarity: it is molded in the shape of the map of Portugal, but without including the Algarve region, which was not yet part of the king's conquests in his time. On the figure's chest, a heart stands out, symbolically marking the location of Viseu.

The History Behind the Monument

The presence of this monument in Viseu reflects one of the most captivating debates in Portuguese historiography. Its creation, driven by a committee of citizens, had the main objective of highlighting the thesis that Dom Afonso Henriques was indeed born in this city, allegedly in August 1109. This perspective, which has gained strength among various historians since the late 20th century, challenges the traditional belief that points to Guimarães as the birthplace of the founder of the nation. Thus, the statue functions as an evocative landmark that not only pays homage to the figure of the king but also invites reflection on different historical interpretations regarding his birth, affirming Viseu as an integral part of his memory.

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