Perhaps you’ve wondered about the name “Senhor Roubado”. It means “Stolen Lord” in Portuguese. Right here at Senhor Roubado, we uncover a tale of sacrilege and redemption.
Senhor Roubado isn’t just a metro stop. It’s a place steeped in history and legend. It marks the location of a 17th-century crime that shook the community of Odivelas.
Let’s journey back to May 11 1671. A young man from Odivelas named António Ferreira committed a shocking act. He robbed the Odivelas church. António stole sacred objects. He hid them in a nearby forest. This very spot where Senhor Roubado now stands.
News of the theft spread like wildfire. The Royal Court mourned. Processions filled the streets. Missives promising rewards went across the kingdom. The authorities promised a cash reward and a job. All for information leading to the capture of the thief.
Eventually, the sacred objects were found. António Ferreira was apprehended. He was caught stealing chickens by a monastery servant. António confessed to the church robbery.
Tried in Lisbon, António received a harsh sentence. He was sentenced to a gruesome death. The punishment was unbelievably atrocious.
In 1744, a monument was erected here at Senhor Roubado. It was meant to prevent similar crimes in the future. Frei António dos Santos Prazeres initiated the construction. He replaced an old cross marking where the sacred items were buried.
The monument tells the story of the theft. Azulejo tiles illustrate António’s actions and punishment. These tiles were added between 1744 and 1747. Some consider it Portugal’s first political cartoon. The monument also hints at the Inquisition’s presence in the area.
The Senhor Roubado monument underwent phases of construction. Four Tuscan columns and a vault were added in 1745. These additions emphasized faith in Christian doctrine. Symbols like the Holy Spirit dove and the Crucifix were included.
Today, Senhor Roubado serves as a reminder. It reminds us of a past marked by crime and punishment. It also serves as a place for reflection and seeking forgiveness. People can reflect on their sins. The Senhor Roubado monument is a testament to faith and justice.