Prince Henry the Navigator Monument

Public Art: Prince Henry the Navigator Monument

Also Known As: Infante Dom Henrique o Navegador

Sculptor:© Tomás Costa

Date Unveiled: 1894

Description: The monument is dedicated to Prince Henry the Navigator, the 15th-century Portuguese explorer. The Prince stands next to a globe. His gloved hand points out towards the ocean with a scroll (map) rolled up in his left hand. If you look very closely you will see that Prince Henry is wearing spurs. He also has a very unflattering hairstyle. At the base is a bronze group including Faith (the female figure) riding on the bow of a ship being guided by two horses and two tritons. The Tritons are blowing on conch shells whilst gripping onto the reins of the horses. Faith holds a flag in her right hand and two feathers (?) in her left hand. At the rear of the monument is another bronze statue of a bare-footed angel balancing on a globe. She is holding her arms up high with a cross in her right hand. Just below the statue of Prince Henry are two bronze reliefs depicting his life and achievements.

Location: The Prince Henry the Navigator Monument is located in the park in front of the Bolsa Palace, São Nicolau, Porto, Portugal.

Things You May Not Know: 

Prince Henry was never referred to as “the Navigator” in his lifetime, the nickname was coined by two 19th century German Historians

Who Was Prince Henry?: