Did you know that the name Campanhó itself may hint at a history of conflict? We are standing in a place closely linked to the very foundation of Portugal. The story of Campanhó is interwoven with the Campo da Ataca. It is a site where the seeds of Portuguese independence were sown.
Let’s step back in time to the 12th century. The County of Portugal was under pressure. Galician forces sought to assert their control. D. Afonso Henriques emerged as a leader. He was determined to secure Portuguese sovereignty. The Battle of São Mamede in 1128 was the pivotal clash. Many believe it began right here in São Torcato near Campanhó.
Tradition holds that the Campo da Ataca, near Campanhó, was the starting point of this battle. “Campo da Ataca” translates to “field of attack”. This name is no coincidence. It is a suggestive designation. It evokes the warlike events that unfolded here. The battle pitted Afonso Henriques against the troops of his own mother, Teresa of León, and Count Fernão Peres de Trava. They were figures vying for control.
Afonso Henriques’ victory at the Battle of São Mamede was decisive. It marked a turning point in Portuguese history. He secured the leadership of the Portucalense County. He initiated the political process of independence from Galicia. This victory paved the way for Portugal to become a sovereign nation. Many historians consider the day of the Battle of São Mamede, June 24, 1128, as “Portugal’s First Day.”
In 1996, a monument was inaugurated here. It commemorates this significant event. It is an artistic complex. It celebrates the Battle of São Mamede. The monument includes seven statues called “Afonsinhos”. Augusto Vasconcelos named them in 1996. They symbolize the Battle of São Mamede. Each statue is about five meters tall. A legend connects the statues to the battle.
It’s worth noting that the exact location of the Battle of São Mamede remains a subject of debate. There is no absolute certainty if the battle occurred at Campo da Ataca. However, it is known that the battle took place in Guimarães.
So as we stand here in Campanhó, let us reflect. Reflect on the courage and determination that shaped a nation. The stones beneath our feet echo with the footsteps of those who fought for Portugal’s independence. The spirit of Campo da Ataca, the “field of attack,” reminds us of the sacrifices made. These sacrifices helped forge a nation. They helped give rise to Portugal. Campanhó played a role in this history.