Martim Moniz

Martim Moniz (died 1147) was a Portuguese knight of noble birth, and famous figure in the Siege of Lisbon in 1147.

According to legend, Martim Moniz was a knight participating in the Christian invasion force, led by king Afonso I of Portugal, in the Siege of Lisbon, during the Reconquista. At one point in the siege of São Jorge Castle, he saw the Moors closing the castle doors. He led an attack on the doors, and sacrificed himself by lodging his own body in the doorway, preventing the defenders from fully closing the door.

This act allowed time for his fellow soldiers to arrive and secure the door, leading to the eventual capture of the castle. Martim Moniz was killed in the incident. In his honor, the entrance was dubbed Porta de Martim Moniz (Gate of Martim Moniz).



There are currently several monuments and parks named after Martim Moniz in Lisbon. One of Lisbon's metro stations is named after him, the Martim Moniz station. The station features a stylized graphic depiction of the event on its walls.

One of his sons, Pedro Martins, Lord of the Tower of Vasconcelos, was the ancestor of the prominent Vasconcelos family.

"Nobleman and captain of the army of Afonso I of Portugal, author of notable feats in the Battle of Ourique, he played a leading role in the conquest of Lisbon in 1147. According to legend, he crossed one of the gates and with the help of the his axe which allowed his comrades to enter the castle. Pierced by Moorish spears, he died for a Christian Lisbon."