06/03/2026
This is the remarkably preserved head of Diogo Alves, one of Portugal's most infamous criminals.
Executed in 1841, Alves was convicted of multiple murders and became one of the most feared figures in nineteenth century Portugal.
But what happened after his death is what continues to fascinate people nearly two centuries later.
Instead of being buried and forgotten, his head was preserved by medical researchers.
At the time, some scientists were interested in studying the brains and physical features of criminals, believing they might uncover clues about violent behavior.
As a result, Alves's head was carefully preserved and became part of a medical collection.
Today, it remains housed at the Anatomical Theatre of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Lisbon.
More than 180 years after his ex*****on, visitors can still look upon the face of a man whose crimes left a lasting mark on Portuguese history.
The sight is both fascinating and unsettling.
Not because it glorifies violence.
But because it creates a direct connection to a person who lived nearly two centuries ago.
A preserved face.
A preserved moment in history.
And a reminder of how medicine, crime, and curiosity often intersected in ways that seem unusual today.
Few historical artifacts make the past feel quite so immediate.
And few allow us to look directly into the face of someone whose story has endured for generations.
Do you think preserving historical remains for scientific study is important, or should they be laid to rest?