D. João I Statue

“By the grace of God and the firmness of Nun’Alvares” – a bold statement, wouldn’t you say? Here, before us stands the D. João I Statue, a bronze testament to the king who secured Portugal’s independence and set the stage for its golden age of exploration. King John I, fondly remembered as João the Good, wasn’t supposed to be king. But when the last king of the Burgundian dynasty died without a male heir, a power struggle ensued. Enter João, an illegitimate son of the previous king, and Nun’Alvares Pereira, a skilled military strategist. Together, they rallied the people and fought for Portugal’s freedom against Castilian claims. Their victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385 cemented João’s place on the throne and secured Portugal’s independence. Look closely at the statue. Notice the medallions flanking the majestic figure? They depict Nun’Alvares Pereira, João’s loyal ally, and João das Regras, a judge who played a crucial role in solidifying João’s claim to the throne. The D. João I Statue is not just a monument. It represents the spirit of Portugal, a nation forged in the fires of struggle and driven by a thirst for discovery. From this point forward, Portugal’s destiny unfolded, marked by daring expeditions and the expansion of its influence across the globe.