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Statue of Aristides de Sousa Mendes: A Tribute to Courage

Honoring Aristides de Sousa Mendes: a symbol of courage and compassion during WWII, located on Bordeaux's scenic Esplanade Charles DeGaulle.

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The Statue of Aristides de Sousa Mendes in Bordeaux honors a Portuguese diplomat who defied his government's orders during World War II to save thousands of Jewish refugees. It stands as a symbol of compassion and moral courage in a time of crisis.

A brief summary to Statue d’Aristide de Sousa Mendes

  • Rue du Château d'Eau, Esplanade Charles DeGaulle, Bordeaux, 33000, FR

Local tips

  • Take a stroll around the Esplanade Charles DeGaulle to enjoy the picturesque surroundings and reflect on the statue's significance.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby Quai Louis XVIII to see the building that housed the Portuguese consulate during WWII.
  • Visit the statue in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Place des Quinconces, walk east along the Esplanade Charles DeGaulle. The Statue of Aristides de Sousa Mendes is located on the esplanade, a short walk from the main square.

  • Public Transport

    Take Tram Line B to the 'Place des Quinconces' station. From there, walk east on Esplanade Charles DeGaulle, where you'll find the statue. A single tram ticket costs approximately €1.70.

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Discover more about Statue d’Aristide de Sousa Mendes

Located on the Esplanade Charles DeGaulle in Bordeaux, the Statue of Aristides de Sousa Mendes serves as a powerful reminder of a Portuguese diplomat's heroic actions during World War II. Aristides de Sousa Mendes, serving as the Portuguese consul-general in Bordeaux, defied the Salazar regime's orders by issuing visas and passports to thousands of refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied France. His courageous act saved an estimated 30,000 lives, marking what Holocaust historian Yehuda Bauer described as perhaps the largest rescue action by a single individual during the Holocaust. The statue itself showcases Mendes in a pose that inspires reflection on moral courage. The surrounding Esplanade Charles DeGaulle provides a space for leisurely contemplation, allowing visitors to appreciate Bordeaux's rich history and architectural beauty. Aristides de Sousa Mendes faced severe consequences for his defiance, including demotion, forced retirement, and financial hardship. Despite the personal cost, he never regretted his actions, stating, "I could not have acted otherwise, and I therefore accept all that has befallen me with love". His legacy has been recognized through numerous honors, including being named one of the Righteous Among the Nations by Israel in 1966. In 1995, he was declared “Portugal’s greatest hero of the twentieth century”.

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