The Liberal Hero
Portuguese history, culture and tradition.
King of Portugal and Emperor of Brazil, D. Pedro IV is a prominent figure in Portuguese history and culture. The city of Porto was the scene of one of the bloodiest battles of the liberal fights. Before he died, and as a form of gratitude, the soldier king offered his heart to the city.
Tribute to the Hero
At the center of Liberty Square is the equestrian statue of King D. Pedro IV (also D. Pedro I of Brazil) holding, in his right hand, the Constitutional Charter that he offered to Portugal, thus representing the homage of the city of Porto to the hero of the liberal fights. This statue was created by the French sculptor Anatole Calmels and is 10 meters high and weighs five tons in bronze and was inaugurated on October 19th, 1866.
Gratitude for Loyalty
On the lioz stone that constitutes its base, there are two bronze reliefs on its sides, which for conservation reasons replace the white Carrara originals. On one side is depicted the landing of the liberal troops at Arenosa beach, in Pampelido, Matosinhos, offering the flag embroidered by the ladies of Faial to the commander of the Queen’s battalion who fought against the Miguelistas in the fight for the throne.
In the other, the delivery of the monarch’s heart to the representatives of the city of Porto as a form of gratitude for their loyalty and for the heroic services that the city provided to the liberal cause and to the defense of the queen. The urn with the heart is kept in the Church of Lapa, on the left side of the main altar, in a granite mausoleum, and the five keys that open it are on the desk of the Mayor of Porto.
Remembrance of the Martyrs of Liberty
On the front and back faces, the Braganças coat of arms and the city of Porto (with a heart in the center) are displayed, surrounded by oak and laurel leaves. Also at the base of the monument were inscribed the twelve names of the Martyrs of Liberty, who were imprisoned in the city Jail and who in this square were hanged in the morning of the 7th of May of 1829 at the behest of the Miguelista government for the revolt they conduct in Aveiro against the government, led by the grandfather of the writer Eça de Queiroz.
Experiences
Get to know the story of the Liberal Revolution and the important liberal movements that took place here in this city with the “Tour 3 – Downtown, Clérigos, Vitória and Virtudes“. It was here in the undefeated city that two brothers, with opposing ideals, confronted each other in the fight for power. The city of Porto was the scene of this battle, where its people played a decisive role.
Here in downtown, you will find some of the most interesting monuments in the city of Porto and this tour takes you to discover these iconic places and the stories that mark liberalism in Portugal. Discover the city of Porto and learn about its history and culture with the Walkinporto app.
The downtown area is also where some of the most sought-after accommodation in the city is located. Our accommodation 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 proposals.
