Once upon a time, in the heart of Porto, stood the venerated Statue of St Mary and a snake fountain. This statue, known locally as Nossa Senhora de Vandoma, or Our Lady of Vendôme, isn’t just a beautiful piece of art. It represents a pivotal moment in Porto’s history, a symbol of the city’s resilience and devotion to its patron saint, the Virgin Mary. The statue’s origins trace back to the Reconquista, a period of intense battles between Christians and Moors for control of the Iberian Peninsula. Around 990 AD, a nobleman named Munio Viegas led a group of Gascon knights to liberate Porto from Moorish rule. Accompanying these knights was a French prelate named Nonegus, who carried a stone image of Our Lady from Vendôme, France. Following a victorious battle, the city was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and placed under the patronage of Our Lady of Vendôme. The statue was then positioned above the city’s main gate, known as the Door of Vendôme. The Statue of St Mary and a snake fountain became a cherished symbol for the people of Porto, invoked for protection, especially during times of plague. The original image now resides in Porto’s Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady. Sadly, the Door of Vendôme was demolished in 1855 as the city expanded. The devotion to Nossa Senhora de Vandoma remains strong in Porto. The Statue of St Mary and a snake fountain stands as a testament to a time of conflict and faith, reminding us of the city’s rich history and the enduring power of belief.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to