Porto's Monuments and Statues (Self Guided), Porto

In general, just like any other European nation, sunny Portugal is rich in history and matching love of monuments. This is more so evident in the country's second largest city of Porto, dotted with statues and sculptures of various sort, decorating the gardens, sidewalks, squares and various corners. Each of them has its own story; some are quite old, while others are not so much and rather funny – ideal for a photo shoot!

Today the municipal authorities work hard to preserve these monuments and statues, acquired over a long period of time, to make them look like they did when they first appeared. Included in this guide are some of the sculptural landmarks worthy of being discovered and, perhaps, taking some pictures of.

Statue of Prince Henry the Navigator – celebrates the life of the 14th-century prince, famous for his maritime expeditions and military exploits; installed in 1894.

Estátua de Vímara Peres – the equestrian statue of the mythical ninth-century nobleman from Galicia; opened in 1968.

The Newspaper Vendor Statue – a bronze tribute to ardina, the newspaper seller; one of the most photographed statues in the city; unveiled in 1990.

Estátua Equestre de D. Pedro IV – an 1866 monument dedicated to King Peter IV.

Fountain of Youth Naked Girl – a 1929 sculpture by Henrique Moreira.

"Thirteen Laughing at Each Other" – a set of sculptures in Jardim de João Chagas, designed by Juan Muñoz in 2001.

To see these and other beautiful creations adorning the streets of Porto in more detail, take this self-guided walk.