Statue of Prince Henry the Navigator, Porto

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Statue of Prince Henry the Navigator, Porto

Statue of Prince Henry the Navigator, Porto

The Statue of Prince Henry the Navigator in Porto stands as a tribute to one of the country's most renowned maritime pioneers. Unveiled in 1894 and crafted by sculptor Tomás Costa, this monument honors the 14th-century prince who played a pivotal role in establishing Portugal as a global economic powerhouse through his numerous maritime discoveries.

Prince Henry, born in 1394 as the fifth son of King John I, the founder of the Dynasty of Avis, was a visionary master seaman. His expeditions secured vital trade routes and opened the doors to the vast riches of Africa, notably gold from the Ivory Coast. His achievements earned him prestigious titles, including the leadership of the Order of Christ.

Located near the Ribeira section of Porto, the statue is prominently positioned on a tall pedestal, with Prince Henry depicted turning towards the ocean, his posture commanding and directive, as if issuing orders to his crew. The pedestal is adorned with intricate relief sculptures that narrate significant moments from Prince Henry's life, encapsulating his legacy as a trailblazer of Portugal’s maritime dominance in the Age of Discovery.

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Statue of Prince Henry the Navigator on Map

Sight Name: Statue of Prince Henry the Navigator
Sight Location: Porto, Portugal (See walking tours in Porto)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Porto, Portugal

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Create Your Own Walk in Porto

Creating your own self-guided walk in Porto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Porto Introduction Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Porto's Monuments and Statues

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Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles