Souls in Purgatory are said to be represented here at the Alminhas de Aldoar. These small shrines are common in Portugal. They are often found in urban areas.
Alminhas are wayside shrines. They are also known as Nichos de Alminhas do Purgatório. These shrines are typical of Póvoa de Varzim in Portugal.
The Alminhas de Aldoar is generally made of stonework. It features a small niche. An iron grid protects the niche. The Confraria das Almas or Souls Brotherhood maintains it. An azulejo panel invokes the souls of Purgatory.
Older alminhas often resemble an altarpiece. The Rua da Conceição-Rua Primeiro de Maio Alminha is an example. So is the Rua dos Ferreiros-Praça do Almada Alminha.
Traditionally, passers-by prayed here. They also offered alms when passing the Alminhas de Aldoar. People place candles, flowers and alms in the niche. The brotherhood preserves and maintains all the city’s alminhas. Some alminhas no longer accept alms. This is due to theft and damage.
The Alminhas da Ponte are located in Ribeira in Porto. José Joaquim Teixeira Lopes created a bronze bas-relief in 1897. It commemorates March 29, 1809. Hundreds of people died fleeing Marshal Soult’s troops. Soult attacked the city under Napoleon’s orders. The Ponte das Barcas collapsed under the weight of the fleeing population.
Legend says that Orlando Beirão Valente’s cry can be heard during Douro River floods. He was a scribe who crossed the bridge 16 times. He helped the elderly and children. He fell into the river on his seventeenth crossing.
Today, citizens place lit candles and flowers at the Alminhas da Ponte. They do this to remember the tragedy.
The name Aldoar likely comes from a Galaic settlement before the Romans. Aldoar integrates the Union of Parishes of Aldoar, Foz do Douro and Nevogilde. Vilarinha, Aviz and Cristo Rei are within it.
The Parish Church of Cristo Rei is in D. Afonso V Square. It has a Dominican Community known for oratory qualities and preaching. Garcia da Orta Secondary School is also in this area. It includes the S Miguel de Nevogilde Elementary School and the Francisco Torrinha Elementary School. It offers 3rd Cycle and Secondary Education. It features classrooms, a terrace, sports facilities, a library and an auditorium.
The Alminhas de Aldoar stands as a reminder of faith. It serves as a place for remembrance.