Alminhas da Ponte

Alminhas da Ponte is a bronze relief sculpture mounted on a building wall in Ribeira, positioned near the historic arches of the old quarter. The artwork features figures and occupies a prominent spot on the facade that makes it visible to passersby.

The sculpture was created in 1897 to commemorate a disaster from 1809 when a floating bridge collapsed and hundreds of people perished. This tragedy became a defining moment in Porto's past and left lasting marks on the city's collective memory.

The sculpture honors victims through a practice that remains alive in the neighborhood, where residents leave candles and flowers as a form of remembrance. This simple act connects people today to a shared tragedy from the past.

The monument sits on a street in Ribeira that sees regular foot traffic, making it easy to spot while walking through the historic quarter. The location is accessible to visitors and nearby landmarks invite you to explore the surrounding area further.

An older narrative once connected the monument to a courageous man who gave his life to save others from drowning during the disaster. Such personal stories are less spoken of today, yet they reveal the human side of this historical tragedy.

Location: Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória

Inception: 1897

Creator: José Joaquim Teixeira Lopes

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Address: Cais da Ribeira

GPS coordinates: 41.14071,-8.61103

Latest update: December 11, 2025 00:17