Official presentation of the book "Provedores of the Misercórdia of Porto (1499-2017)"
The book Provedores of the Misercórdia of Porto (1499-2017), authored by several researchers from CEPESE, was officially presented last October 3rd at the Gallery of Benefactors of the Museum of the Misericórdia. This work presents, in three volumes, the biographies of the 240 personalities who headed the administration of the Misericórdia of Porto, their academic, civic, professional and political paths, paying particular attention to their activity as provedores, their influence in the Institution and their legacy. It also includes an introductory study addressing the election process, the provedor’s competencies and duties since the foundation of the Misericórdia and the analysis of several elements that help to determine their individual and collective traits.
In short, it is an unprecedented study that, due to its comprehensiveness and depth, making a decisive contribution to the knowledge of these individuals – which include a king and a prime-minister, members of the Parliament and mayors, bishops and archbishops, businessmen, and leading figures of the city of Porto –, many of them revealing impressive innovation and managing skills, contributing for the success of the Institution.