What whispers echo from the walls of Ribeira? Let us uncover the story of Alminhas de Nossa Senhora dos Caminhos. Right here in Porto, near the bustling Cais da Ribeira and the iconic D. Luís I bridge, you’ll find a simple bronze relief. This sculpture, Alminhas da Ponte, may be easily overlooked amidst the vibrant houses and restaurants. But it holds a tragic tale. Alminhas de Nossa Senhora dos Caminhos commemorates the devastating Ponte das Barcas disaster of 1809. Created by António Teixeira Lopes, Alminhas de Nossa Senhora dos Caminhos serves as a poignant reminder. Imagine the scene. March 29th, 1809. French troops under Marshall Soult are invading Porto. Panicked citizens flee across the Ponte das Barcas, a fragile bridge of 20 boats linked by cables. The bridge, unable to bear the weight, collapses. Thousands of people plunge into the Douro River. The exact number of lives lost in the tragedy remains unknown. Some estimations reach as high as 4,000. Today, Alminhas de Nossa Senhora dos Caminhos stands as a testament to this heartbreaking event. The people of Ribeira continue to honor the victims. They leave candles and flowers beneath the bronze sculpture, keeping the memory alive. Alminhas de Nossa Senhora dos Caminhos stands as a solemn reminder. It remembers a dark chapter in Porto’s history.
Alminhas de Nossa Senhora dos Caminhos
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