Did anyone lose a soul? Because countless rest at the Alminhas de Cartes. Right here, along the Ribeira, lies a bronze masterpiece by Teixeira Lopes, known as the “Alminhas da Ponte”. This poignant artwork commemorates a haunting event – the drowning of hundreds on March 29th, 1809.
As Napoleon’s forces, led by Marshal Soult, besieged Porto, terrified residents fled towards the Ponte das Barcas, a bridge of boats spanning the Douro River. But the bridge, overwhelmed by the sheer weight of desperate souls, tragically gave way. The Alminhas de Cartes, forever marked with flickering candlelight and fresh flowers, stands as a somber reminder of this heartbreaking day. This tradition, upheld by locals, ensures those lost in the chaos are never forgotten. Their souls, much like the ever-flowing Douro, find a sense of peace at this poignant location.