From the heart of Lisbon rises the Monumento aos Mortos da Grande Guerra. This monument stands as a solemn tribute to the Portuguese soldiers who perished in the First World War. The Monumento aos Mortos da Grande Guerra, also known as the Monument to the Combatants of the Great War, is located on Liberty Avenue, near its intersection with Salitre Street.
The Monumento aos Mortos da Grande Guerra was unveiled on November 22, 1931. It was designed by architects Guilherme Rebelo de Andrade and Carlos Rebelo de Andrade, with sculptures by Maximiano Alves. The monument’s foundation was laid on April 9, 1923, by President António José de Almeida. The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Óscar Carmona and Lisbon Mayor José Vicente de Freitas.
The Monumento aos Mortos da Grande Guerra is crafted from white stone. It depicts a robed figure representing the Fatherland, holding a flag and crowning a kneeling Portuguese soldier. The soldier is presented with a bronze laurel wreath. They stand upon a large stone pedestal. The pedestal bears a shield inscribed with a quote from Augusto Casimiro: “Ao serviço da Pátria, o esforço da Grei” which translates to, “In the service of the Fatherland, the effort of its People.” On each side of the pedestal, large inscriptions proclaim “Grande Guerra,” meaning “Great War.” Two stone figures of men, bent beneath the main structure, symbolize their struggle to uphold the Fatherland. At the base of the pedestal, a bronze sculpture depicts military equipment like gas masks, helmets, ammunition belts, and bags. This powerful imagery evokes the sacrifices made by Portuguese soldiers during the war. The Monumento aos Mortos da Grande Guerra stands not just as a memorial, but also as a symbol of resilience, national pride, and the enduring spirit of Portugal.