Located in the centre of Portugal’s picturesque town of Óbidos, this monument stands tall as an iconic symbol of Portuguese culture and literature.
Built in 1867, the monument celebrates one of Portugal’s most beloved poets and writers, Luís de Camões. He was born around 1524 and his works are considered some of the greatest contributions to Portuguese literature ever written. His best-known work is “Os Lusíadas” (The Lusiads), an epic poem about Vasco da Gama’s voyage from Lisbon to India.
The memorial itself consists of a large bronze sculpture depicting the poet with his head bowed forward in contemplation over a book he holds open on his lap. The design was created by sculptor José Simões de Almeida, who also worked on other monuments throughout Portugal, such as those honoring King Pedro IV at Rossio Square in Lisbon and Dom Carlos I at Praça do Comércio Square near the Tagus River estuary.
The statue sits atop a marble pedestal with four bas-relief panels that depict scenes from “Os Lusíadas” such as Vasco da Gama’s arrival at Goa and Adamastor -the giant sea monster described by Camões himself-. There are also two inscriptions carved into either side; one reads “To Luís de Camões – A Homage From His Countrymen”, while another states “Camões: Poet Of All Times”.
In addition to its historical significance, this monumental landmark provides visitors with breathtaking views across the cobblestoned streets below towards Óbidos Castle, which stands proudly atop nearby hillsides surrounded by lush greenery.
