Boulder of Saudade
Presentation
Category: Historic garden
A romantic spot that represents the spirit and uniqueness of life in the city of Coimbra, traditionally linked to the love affair between D. Pedro and D. Inês de Castro. According to legend, it was here that D. Pedro took refuge to mourn the death of his beloved.
Initially a simple viewpoint, known as Pedra dos Ventos, it was only in the 16th century that it became known by its current name.
Among the vegetation, small lakes, and waterfalls, there are tombstones with poems that recall the student days of various members of the academy, notably the Poets' Retreat and the Course Room, as well as busts of the writer Eça de Queirós and the poet António Nobre and a statue of the educator João de Deus.
Extra Information
In the 20th century, on the occasion of course meetings and other academic events, it was the habit to place along the garden's corners tombstones with verses, particularly in the corner of the garden called "sala dos cursos" (course room).
Busts of emblematic poets of Portuguese culture, such as António Nobre and Eça de Queirós, perpetuate their connection to the city of Coimbra.