Teaser Rua das Flores (2022) by Cátia OliveiraFaculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
Meanings. Experiences. Senses.
The emblematic Rua das Flores was originally cut through the Bishop of Porto's vegetable gardens. Due to its width, it was among the first Porto streets to allow the circulation of animal-drawn vehicles, facilitating the distribution of products that arrived to the riverfront.
Rua das Flores (Porto) (2022) by Marisa SantosFaculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
Rua das Flores (Porto)
This road provided communication between the waterfront and the Porta de Carros (Carriage Gate), demolished in 1888. It connected the medieval convent of São Domingos to the Monastery of São Bento de Avé Maria, contemporary to the opening of the street, along the course of the river Vila, now canalised.
Toponymic plaque for Rua das Flores (Porto) (2022) by Cátia OliveiraFaculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
Toponymic plaque for Rua das Flores
The designation of Santa Catarina das Flores derives from the special devotion that D. Pedro da Costa, who was Bishop of Porto at the time of the opening of the street, nurtured for Saint Catherine. The armorial stone featured a spiked wheel, the main attribute of this Saint.
Saint Catherine's spike wheel near the Misericórdia do Porto Museum (Rua das Flores, Porto) (2022) by Cátia OliveiraFaculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
Saint Catherine's spiked wheel near the MMIPO
The designation of Santa Catarina das Flores derives from the special devotion that D. Pedro da Costa, who was Bishop of Porto at the time of the opening of the street, nurtured for Saint Catherine. The armorial stone featured a spiked wheel, the main attribute of this Saint.
Relief sculpture of St Michael the Archangel (Rua das Flores, Porto) (2022) by Cátia OliveiraFaculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
Relief sculpture of St Michael the Archangel
The images of Saint Michael the Archangel that feature on some of the façades mark the ancient properties of the Cabido Portucalense. Patron saint of this ecclesiastical institution, Saint Michael is the commander of the celestial militia who defeats the devil represented as a dragon or serpent.
Rua das Flores (Porto)
The public supply of water, source of life by its essence, has always been an engine of urban transformation. The management of water distribution on the street depended on the cooperation between the City Council, the Convent of São Domingos and the Santa Casa da Misericórdia.
The old Fountain in Largo de São Domingos, one of the most important in Porto, was supplied until the 17th century by water from the Dominican friars and then from the Paranhos aqueduct. In the 19th century it was replaced by a fountain covered with a stone vault, which was demolished in 1922. The medallion that crowned it is now in the Jardim das Águas do Porto.
Bells from the Church of Misericórdia’s belfry (Rua das Flores, Porto) (2022) by Cátia OliveiraFaculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
Bells from the Church of Misericórdia’s belfry
The proximity of Rua das Flores to the heart of the diocese also ensured the longevity and prosperity of the street. Having been founded in 1499, the Misericórdia do Porto headquarters was established here in the mid-16th century, after a brief permanence in the Cathedral's Old Cloister.
The Cathedral and the Misericórdia have always been united in both material and spiritual aspects. These ties were reinforced by the tolling of the bells that solemnised common religious practices, set the rhythm of time and contributed to defining the city’s soundscape.
Museu da Misericórdia do Porto, vista interior (Rua das Flores, Porto) (2015) by CBS - Creative Building Solutions, S. A.Faculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
Misericórdia do Porto Museum, interior view
The Misericórdia do Porto building was adapted to its new museological functions in 2013, having preserved its interiors unchanged until that point. Founded on the recommendation of King Manuel I, the Misericórdia promotes the values of charity and social solidarity.
“Fons Vitae”, Flemish painting, 1515-1517. (2015) by CBS - Creative Building Solutions, S. A.Faculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
“Fons Vitae” (1515-1517)
It represents the cult to the Passion of Christ and to the Blood shed from the victim, voluntarily immolated on the Cross. Consecrated substance and principle of Salvation, the blood pours directly into the Fountain of Life, symbol of regeneration, eternal life and Christian Wisdom.
Misericórdia do Porto's Casa do Despacho (1891) by Guilherme Augusto de Faria and Album da Sancta Casa da Misericordia FototipiaFaculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
Misericórdia do Porto's Casa do Despacho
“Fons Vitae”, a Flemish oil painting on wood (1515-1517), is now the centrepiece of the MMIPO. Commissioned by someone from the institution who was close to the royal circle, the work attests to the good relations of Porto and the Portuguese Crown with northern Europe in the 16th century.
“Fons Vitae”, Flemish painting, 1515-1517. (2015) by CBS - Creative Building Solutions, S. A.Faculty of Arts and Humanities of University of Porto
King Manuel I and Queen Maria are depicted in the centre of the lower level, surrounded on their left and right by their infants. On their knees and with prayerful gestures, Church figures and of all social groups venerate the Son of God made man, sacrificed out of Love for Humanity.
The crown placed on the ground reaffirms the humility of men before the true King and recalls the charity principles of Christian Mercy: feed, give drink, clothe, collect, care for and bury the most needed.
EXHIBITION COORDINATORS AND SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION: Ana Cristina Sousa (FLUP/CITCEM) & Maria Leonor Botelho (FLUP/CITCEM)
CURATORSHIP: Ana Cristina Sousa (FLUP/CITCEM) & Maria Leonor Botelho (FLUP/CITCEM).
PRODUCTION & CONTENTS: Cátia Oliveira, Cecília Cardoso, Diana Felícia, Diogo Teixeira, José Ferreira e Silva, Marisa Pereira Santos e Tiago Cruz.
SPONSORS: FLUP; CITCEM; MMIPO.
TRANSLATION: Raquel Viúla Faria (financed by National Funds through the FCT under the project UIDB/04059/2020).
REFERENCES:
REIS, Henrique Duarte e Sousa (1984) – Apontamentos para a verdadeira história antiga e moderna da Cidade do Porto. Volume I. Porto: BPMP.
AFONSO, José Ferrão (2000) – A Rua das Flores no Século XVI. Elementos para a História Urbana do Porto Quinhentista. Porto: FAUP.
FONTES, Adriano (1908) – Contribuição para a hygiene do Porto: analyse sanitaria do seu abastecimento em agua potavel. I – estudo dos manaciaes de Paranhos e Salgueiros. Porto: EMP.
