Jardins da Quinta das Lágrimas
- Known for:
- history, nature
- Time needed:
- 1–2 hours
- From Lisbon:
- 2 hours by car
- From Porto:
- 1.5 hours by car
- Visit nearby:
- CoimbraCoimbra Botanical GardenConímbriga
- Not so fun fact(s):
- Legend says the Fonte das Lágrimas was created from the tears of Inês de Castro after she was murdered, giving the estate its name
About
The Jardins da Quinta das Lágrimas are among Coimbra’s most romantic corners. The gardens surround a historic quinta and are closely tied to the tragic love story of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, one of Portugal’s most famous legends.
According to the story, Pedro and Inês secretly met here, but their relationship was opposed by the king’s court. Inês was eventually murdered in 1355, and legend says that her blood stained the rocks at the Fonte das Lágrimas, the Fountain of Tears.
Today, the gardens are part of the Quinta das Lágrimas hotel, so you can actually stay within the historic estate. The hotel occupies the former 18th-century palace, while the surrounding grounds combine ancient trees, fountains, streams, ruins and winding paths.