Padrão do Salado
The Padrão do Salado is a Medieval monument in the city of Guimarães in north west Portugal. It is located in Largo da Oliveira, just outside the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira and the interesting Alberto Sampaio Museum.
History
The Padrão do Salado was constructed in the 14th century to commemorate the Battle of Salado of 1340.
In this battle in the south of Spain, combined Spanish and Portuguese forces defeated a larger army of Muslim invaders from North Africa and Muslim forces from Grenada.
The Christian armies were led by King Afonso IV of Portugal and King Alfonso XI of Castile. Opposing them were armies led by Sultan Abu al-Hasan 'Ali of the Marinid dynasty and Yusuf I of Granada.
It was classified as a National Monument in 1910.
The Monument
The monument is an arched, rectangular structure in stone covering a raised cross.
The cross has images of the Virgin Mary and of Jesus Christ.
An early Coat of Arms of Portugal is at the base of the cross.
Erected in 1342, the monument was paid for by a rich merchant in Lisbon, one Pero Esteves.
Access
Largo da Oliveira
Guimarães
The monument is within the historic, UNESCO World Heritage centre of the city.
Nearby
The Padrão do Salado is close to the Museu de Arte Primitiva Moderna, Torre dos Almadas and the Arquivo Municipal Alfredo Pimenta.
Hotels in Guimarães include the four star Santa Luzia ArtHotel, the four star EMAJ Boutique Hotel and the Hotel da Oliveira, also four star.
Other hotels in Guimarães are the four star Hotel de Guimarães and the pleasant Stay Hotel Guimarães Centro, adjacent to Guimarães Station. The budget HI Hostel Guimarães - Pousada de Juventude is also in this area.
