Estátua do Infante D. Henrique, Bronze statue in Faro, Portugal.
The bronze sculpture depicts a prince in commanding stance, dressed in 15th-century royal garments and holding navigation instruments in his hands. The monument sits in the heart of the city, surrounded by buildings and pathways that form the historical center.
The honored prince was born in 1394 and established Portugal's first navigation school, from which numerous sea voyages along the African coast launched in the 1400s. This training institution and the expeditions it sponsored laid the groundwork for Portugal's later maritime success.
The sculpture honors a prince who shaped Portugal's identity as a seafaring nation in the 15th century, and his navigation school became central to Portuguese pride. Walking past it, you sense how deeply the ocean's influence defined this coastal community.
The monument stands in central Faro, easily reached on foot and offering a good starting point for exploring the historical quarters. The location is best visited during daylight and clear weather to fully appreciate the setting and surroundings.
The exact spot where the monument stands is considered the symbolic departure point for many Portuguese sea voyages into the Atlantic and beyond. This connection between the location and the major expeditions makes it particularly meaningful for visitors.
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