Saint Vincent Statue

Here at Portas do Sol, a marble figure stands 3.5 metres tall, holding a ship guarded by two black ravens. This is São Vicente, the 4th century martyr whose story became inseparable from the city's identity. The legend says that in 1173, his remains were brought from the Algarve coast aboard a vessel accompanied by two crows that never left the ship.

These birds became so connected to his memory that they appeared on the city's coat of arms, and São Vicente served as patron saint until 1981. Creating this statue was a family endeavour spanning two decades. Sculptor Raul Xavier began the design in 1949, crafting intricate plans for a monument that would honour the saint at this historic viewpoint. When Xavier died in 1964, his son Luís, an architect, took over the project.

Between 1965 and 1967, Luís carved the stone version, faithful to his father's vision. The inauguration took place on 25 October 1970. The statue was positioned to overlook the Alfama district and the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, the baroque church built in his name. The sculpture captures the saint in bishop's robes, forever watching over the terracotta rooftops and the Tagus below.