Miguel Torga House-Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra > Bairro da Cumeada

Location

The Miguel Torga House-Museum is located in the Cumeada neighborhood, an elevated area of Coimbra. From this vantage point, the writer enjoyed a view that brought back memories of the landscapes of the Trás-os-Montes mountains, his land of origin. It is a place that, due to its position, establishes a visual and symbolic link between Coimbra, where he lived most of his adult life, and the region where he was born and which so greatly influenced his work.

The House as a Testament

This house is not just a residence, but a reflection of the life and personality of Adolfo Correia da Rocha, better known as Miguel Torga. It was here that the doctor and writer lived for over four decades, from 1953 until his death in 1995. The space was designed for the couple, Miguel Torga and his wife, Andrée Cabrée Rocha, becoming their personal refuge and, crucially, the place where much of his vast literary work took shape. The visit allows one to understand the intimate relationship between the man and his creative space.

The Preserved Environment

Upon visiting the House-Museum, one enters a carefully preserved environment, just as it was when Miguel Torga resided there. The study, in particular, stands out as the creative heart of the house. It is possible to see the desk where he worked, his Royal typewriter, the pen he wrote with, and even the famous sofa he called "my sarcophagus." Throughout the house, one can also find his personal objects, the furniture the couple collected from antique shops, works of art, photographs, and an extensive personal library. This library includes first editions of his books, many autographed, and also works by other contemporary writers with dedications, offering insight into his daily life and influences.

Symbols of Identity

Upon arrival, a symbolic element greets the visitor: the wild heather plant, known as "torga." This plant, native to the mountains, was deliberately planted there by the writer, representing his strong connection to his Trás-os-Montes origins and giving his pseudonym its name. The choice of the name "Miguel" also carries a profound meaning, being an acknowledged homage to two figures of Spanish literature whom he greatly admired: Miguel de Cervantes and Miguel de Unamuno. These details underscore the writer's complex identity, divided between deep roots in the land and admiration for universal culture.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt