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Statue of St Mary and a snake fountain

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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.

Learning about Statue of St Mary and a snake fountain in Porto is only the beginning of your adventure. Explory helps you go further with a powerful digital guide that transforms every walk into an experience. Using our intuitive city guide, you can easily connect stories with locations, creating your own city tour while enjoying Porto at your own rhythm. Explory’s goal is to make your trip unforgettable. Our guide combines storytelling with orientation, giving you the chance to uncover the rich layers of Porto. Thanks to the integrated audio guide, you can listen to fascinating narratives while exploring the streets. Beyond the well-known attractions, Explory highlights hidden gems and secret corners that make the city truly unique. With the city guide, you’ll gain insights and flexibility. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular traveler, the app offers exploration on your terms. Each curated city tour blends local culture, history, and atmosphere into one seamless experience. The emphasis on exploration ensures you won’t just see Porto, but actually connect with it. And because our content reveals hidden gems, you’ll always discover something new. Expand your journey by downloading the Explory App. Explore over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories, all accessible from your phone. Whether you need a trusted guide, a flexible audio guide, or a structured city tour, Explory offers everything in one place. Start your adventure today and explore Porto like never before with Explory.

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