It is located in Cais de Ribeira, and it is a bronze plaque with a relief that commemorates one of the most tragic episodes in the history of Portugal. In 1809 French troops invaded Porto and, when the city's inhabitants tried to escape by crossing the boat bridge, it could not support the weight of so many people and collapsed. More than 4,000 people lost their lives that day. The plaque was made by the sculptor José Joaquim Teixeira Lopes. It is usually surrounded by flowers and with a lit candle.

The invasion of the Napoleonic troops in Portugal under Marshal Soult is still vividly remembered in Porto. A day after the French victory at the First Battle of Porto, on 29 March 1809, as the population fled for the advancing troops and tried to cross the river Douro over the Ponte das Barcas (a pontoon bridge), the bridge collapsed under the weight. Possibly 6,000 people drowned in the disaster. The event is remembered here.

It is recorded that on March 29, 1809, Napoleon's army led by Marshal Soult, many people died here while crossing the Balkas Bridge. This military disaster that once occurred is commemorated by a bronze sculpture.

"It is said that hundreds of people, fleeing from the troops of Marechal Soult who were attacking the city under orders from Napoleon, died crossing the Ponte das Barcas. The weight and distress of the fleeing population led to the sinking of the bridge that connected the two banks of the river. Golden River."

Very impresive

You may pass by without seeing it, but it is a bronze plate filled with history.

The piglet was superb! The francesinha was expensive and underwhelming. The food took a long time to come out, but the staff was friendly.

After researching this fountain and plaque, it revealed the dark history, of the Napoleonic invasion of portugal, this fountain, commemorates the loss of the towns people escaping the invasion, that were drowned from the collapsing of a bridge.

Love Porto 😍

Beautiful place with great abilities for photography.

No movimento do Cais, entre os restaurantes, a bela vista do Douro, as apresentações de artistas, o painel, em referência à tragédia, pode passar desapercebido. Para o turista, sem conhecimento da história do país, o registro em homenagem aos mortos causa surpresa e um sentimento de solidariedade. Em meio ao momento de lazer, a lembrança dos horrores das guerras.