Seen from here it is quite impressive. The Zé Pedro Statue stands tall. But do you know the story behind it? It is more than just a bronze figure.
The Zé Pedro Statue is a tribute. It honors King Peter IV of Portugal. He was also Emperor Peter I of Brazil. The monument was erected in 1870. It is located in Rossio Square. This square is in the heart of Lisbon.
Look up at the statue. It stands atop a tall column. The column is about 75 feet high. That is roughly 23 meters. The statue shows King Peter IV in his general’s uniform. He also wears a royal cloak. A laurel crown sits on his head. In his right hand, he holds the Constitutional Charter of 1826. He himself penned this important document.
At the column’s base, notice the four female figures. These allegorical figures represent qualities. They stand for Justice, Wisdom, Strength, and Moderation. These were virtues attributed to King Peter IV.
The Zé Pedro Statue has an interesting history. A monument to the Constitution stood here in 1821. King John VI ordered its construction. But later, the same king removed it. This happened after a counter-revolution.
Before the Zé Pedro Statue a different monument existed. Queen Mary II dedicated it in 1852. She was King Peter’s daughter. But Lisboners did not like it. They called it “o galheteiro”. This means “the cruet-stand”. It was an ungraceful pedestal. This earlier monument was removed in 1864. It briefly held a temporary statue of Hymenaeus. This was for royal wedding ceremonies.
There is an urban legend about the Zé Pedro Statue. It says the statue was meant for Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico. Supposedly, his execution led to the statue being bought for Lisbon. However, historians disprove this. Details on the statue link it to King Peter IV. Look closely. You will see the Portuguese Coat of Arms on the buttons. The collar of the Order of the Tower and Sword is also visible. These details confirm it represents the Portuguese King.
The Zé Pedro Statue is more than art. It symbolizes Portugal’s history. It represents King Peter IV’s legacy. He contributed to both Portugal and Brazil. The monument reminds us of the nation’s commitment. It shows the commitment to constitutional governance.