Deus o Deu – Deus o Há Dado

A mural, several meters long, created by Tó Lira, an artist from Monção. It's made entirely in trencadís, a type of mosaic with irregular pieces of ceramic or other materials that are easily fragmented. It took over 4 months to create. The title Deus o Deu – Deus o Há Dado (God gave it, God has given it) is on the town's coat of arms and the colours used [green, yellow and white], they are the colours of the Municipality’s flag.

The piece is a tribute to the legendary heroine of Monção, Deu-la-Deu Martins who, it is said, saved the population during a siege mounted by the Castilians, in the 14th century. Monção came under siege from the Castilians and food became scarce within its walls. According to the legend, Martins ordered that the little remaining flour should be collected and used to make loaves of bread. Knowing that the Castilians were also running out of bread, she then climbed the wall with the loaves and threw them to the Castilian soldiers, shouting: "For you, who could not conquer us by force of arms and wanted us to surrender through hunger. Thank God, we are well provided for and seeing that you are hungry, we send you this help and we will give you more, if you ask!" Believing that there was still considerable resistance within the walls, and being themselves very hungry, the Castilians are said to have lifted the siege and returned home