MMIPO - Museu da Misericórdia do Porto — Attraction in Porto

Nestled in the charming Ribeira district of Porto stands a majestic tribute to a legendary figure of exploration – Infante Dom Henrique, better known as Prince Henry the Navigator. This towering monument, meticulously crafted by renowned sculptor Tomás Costa, immortalizes the life and achievements of this emblematic Portuguese prince from the House of Aviz. As you approach the monument, you're immediately drawn to the intricate relief images adorning its sides. Each delicately etched image vividly encapsulates milestone moments from Prince Henry's extraordinary life. Dominating the structure, the statue itself embodies the explorer's indomitable spirit. He stands tall on an imposing pedestal, gazing authoritatively towards the sea, his hand outstretched as though commanding unseen vessels to voyage into the unknown. Hailing from the 15th century, Prince Henry was more than a royal figure; he was a pioneering visionary whose relentless pursuit of maritime exploration laid the groundwork for Portugal's illustrious Age of Discovery. His far-reaching expeditions charted the Madeira and Azores islands, penetrated the unknown frontiers of Africa, and established precise trading routes through West Africa, pathways that later mariners would follow across the Atlantic Ocean. His contributions to exploration didn't stop there; he was instrumental in funding Christopher Columbus' epoch-making journey to America in 1492. The monument is a marvel of craftsmanship, fashioned from twelve monolithic blocks of Portuguese stone, assembled meticulously by Costa to create a colossal structure weighing an astonishing 85 tons. The statue majestically towers atop an eight-meter-tall granite pedestal, lending the figure of Prince Henry an air of undeniable grandeur. Ascending the statue, six steps draw your eyes toward two exquisitely carved mermaids at the prince's feet. These mythical beings, symbolic of the Oceanids from Greek mythology, embody the many mysteries of the waters Prince Henry dared to traverse. Along the monument's sides, you'll find four relief panels depicting significant episodes from Prince Henry's life, from his marital union to his martial exploits and his academic establishment of a nautical school and an astronomical observatory. Each panel serves as a testament to the indelible marks he left on the annals of maritime exploration. As you stand in the shadow of this impressive monument, you are not merely observing a statue; you are beholding a chronicle etched in stone. The memorial to Infante Dom Henrique is a testament to the unyielding spirit of exploration and the relentless pursuit of knowledge that continues to...

#lovely#museum#2019bestEuropeanmuseum#pilgrimage#blind#people#I loved this museum in Porto where I entered during my pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela Spain. When I saw that this was the museum of the year I thought that I can have a little break and visit this place. I did it good, because I found out a lot about helpers of disadvantages people during centuries ago and many other interesting paintings also sculptures, it has also some pictures for blind people who can touch them. I started to laugh loudly when I saw the picture of young Jesus as a pilgrim at a painting from XVII century. He looked very funny with cowboy hat, and his feet looked like a girl's feet. This museum really made my day, also when I think of this museum I keep smiling. I highly recommend this place and can't wait to come back here with a group...

The museum itself is very interesting and displays a variety of objects thoroughly explained in the accompanying notes. The staff was rather unpleasant though and an agent asked to verify our tickets while we were heading for the Church at the end of our visit, which was a bit weird and uncalled for - since the Church gate is closed and cannot be accessed from the street, but only from the inside of the Museum, guaranteeing one has passed by the ticket office... There is also a modern art exhibition in the central courtyard (a leaflet explaining the objects presented is available, placed...