Prince Henry Square
Portuguese history, culture and tradition.
Born in the city of Porto, Prince Henry the Navigator is the most important figure of the Portuguese discoveries age. To him we owe, to a large extent, the invention of the Discoveries, an innovative process for the time as a result of his leadership ability.
Homage to the Triumph
Consisting of a garden, the square presents in its center the important figure of the navigator Infante D. Henrique, the main leader of the Portuguese expansion in the voyages and maritime explorations that took place during the Portuguese discoveries. This monument, designed by the sculptor João Tomás and inaugurated in 1900, consists of a base and a pedestal in pyramidal trunk, carved in marble, where the bronze statue rests. At the base are two allegories: the faith of the discoveries and the triumph of the Portuguese navigation. In the first, and facing north, she is represented by a female figure with wings holding a cross in her right hand. In the second, and facing south, it is represented by a prow of a ship pulled by two horses guided by a triton and a nereid. On the bow, and holding a flag, stands the figure “Glory”.
World Discoveries
A succession of shields with the cross of Christ forms a frieze that surrounds the pedestal at half height, and below it, on the west side, is the date “1418 – 1433” and the inscription “To Prince Henry the Navigator, Pioneer of the Discoveries of the Portuguese. Porto, your homeland. Dedicate it.” On the opposite side is visible the date “1419 – 1432” and the inscription from Lusiadas: “Thus we were opening those seas, which no generation has not opened, the new islands seeing and the new airs. Which the generous Henry discovered, Lusiadas, Canto 5º, IV”. On the upper part of the pedestal, on the north side, the taking of Ceuta is represented, where the coat of arms of Porto stands out. On the south side is the Infante displayed on the promontory of Sagres. The pedestal ends decorated with the Portuguese arms in a protruding frame. On the pedestal, standing and pointing overseas, the knight rises in front of the globe.
Get to Know the Genius
The invention of the Discoveries was an innovative process for the time, much at the expense of his leadership capacity. Prince Henry is considered by many to be one of the most remarkable figures in world history for having contributed to the transition from the middle ages to the modern age. This square is the starting point of the “Tour 2 – From Infante to São Bento” and is accompanied by the story of the “Beginning of the Portuguese Discoveries”, revealed in a series of facts and events that show you the beginning of the Portuguese expansion in maritime voyages and explorations. It is a story about its great promoter, Prince Henry the Navigator.
Suggestion
Near this square are some of the most interesting monuments in the city of Porto and the “Tour 2 – From Infante to São Bento” takes you to discover these iconic places and the stories that mark the development of the post-medieval city. Discover the city of Porto and learn about its history and culture with the Walkinporto app.
This is one of the places with the most demand for accommodation. My suggestions are very centrally located so that you can feel and live the soul of the city up close and get to know its historic neighborhoods. Get to know my accommodation advice.
