This equestrian statue of General Nuno Álvares Pereira commemorates his decisive win in 1385 over the Castilians during the Battle of Aljubarrota. As a result of his military victory, he was canonized as a saint and John I gained title to the Portuguese crown. His reign established the second dynasty of royalty known as the House of Aviz. The descendants of João I remained in power until 1580.