Statue of Vímara Peres

Interesting facts

1. 1

   Vímara Peres was a Galician nobleman who was commissioned by King Alfonso III of Asturias to secure the territory between the Minho and Douro rivers.

2. 2

   The statue is located near the site of the ancient medieval wall of Porto, which once enclosed the episcopal city.

3. 3

   The name 'Portugal' is historically linked to the 'Portucale' region that Peres governed after capturing the area from the Moors in 868 AD.

4. 4

   The sculptor, Barata Feyo, was a prominent 20th-century Portuguese artist known for his rigorous approach to historical realism.

Overview

The Statue of Vímara Peres is a bronze monument dedicated to the 9th-century nobleman and military leader credited with the reconquest and foundation of the County of Portugal. Located in the historic heart of Porto, it commemorates the figure who established a settlement in the area known as Portus Cale. The sculpture portrays Peres in medieval armor, referencing his role in consolidating Christian territory against Moorish forces. It stands on a stone pedestal near the Porto Cathedral, overlooking the oldest sections of the city. As of August 2026, the statue remains a permanent public installation accessible to pedestrians within the historic center. The site serves as a symbolic marker of the city's origins during the early Middle Ages.

Insider tips

• Combine this visit with the adjacent Porto Cathedral complex to save time.

• The area features steep inclines and uneven historic paving stones, so wear sturdy footwear.

• Visit during the late afternoon to catch the sunset light hitting the nearby cathedral facade.