The ones who already know Porto's centre for sure have already been in Carlos Alberto Square. Located at Vitória parish, this square is surrounded by historical monuments and is is near another wonderful garden, Cordoaria's Garden.
Its name is due to the King of Piedmont and Sardinia, Carlos Alberto who was dethroned in 1849, sought refuge during his exile in Porto city. Its first house is next to the square and it's known as the Palace of the Viscount of Balsemão.
In the middle of the garden, a monument of the author Henrique Moreira reminds Portuguese people of the First World War.
The square is full of beautiful aster flowers, magnolias trees with a very vibrant pink and some palm trees (Bismarckia Nobilis). If you pay attention, besides de usual sound of traffic, it is possible to hear some birds that rest on the cork trees and the trams that pass by.
In the old days the square was called "Largo dos Ferradores". People prepared and rode their horses there and it was also a place for inns. For many years it received the "Feira dos criados de lavoura e das criadas de servir", that later was transfered to Boavista roundabout.
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| Photo by: Monumentos Desaparecidos |
At May 14th 1958, about 200 thounsand people waited in São Bento train station for General Humberto Delgado and walked with him to his seat of candidacy, Carlos Alberto Square above Luso Café. It was on this day, in Carlos Alberto Square, that Humberto Delgado proclaimed "My heart will stay in Porto!". It was the most crowded day that this place has ever seen.
Written by: Júlia Aguiar
Photos by: Júlia Aguiar
Translated by: Francisca Rehbein
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