Freixo De Santo Antonio

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Coimbra > Figueira da Foz > Figueira da Foz > Buarcos e São Julião

Location

The place known as Freixo de Santo Antonio, as a point of interest for visitors, is now integrated into the Interior Garden of the Centre for Arts and Entertainment (CAE), in Figueira da Foz. This area is situated in the urban development of Buarcos and São Julião, a central zone of the city. The space where the original ash tree stood, the Páteo de Santo António, in front of the building that now houses the Lar de Santo António (St. Anthony's Home), is easily accessible in the heart of the locality, allowing a visual connection with its former address and with the surrounding urban life.

The History of a Symbol

For about three centuries, a majestic ash tree was one of the most emblematic and beloved elements of Figueira da Foz. Affectionately known as "Freixo de Santo António" (St. Anthony's Ash Tree), this secular tree, planted in front of an old convent (which later became the Town Hall and is now the Lar de Santo António), became an undeniable landmark in the local landscape. In 2009, the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) classified it as a Tree of Public Interest, recognizing its historical and environmental importance. Unfortunately, due to its fragility and after being affected by natural phenomena, the ash tree had to be felled in 2019, marking the end of an era for this natural symbol of the city.

A New Artistic Expression

To perpetuate the memory and strong symbolism associated with the imposing ash tree, the Municipality of Figueira da Foz decided to give it new life through art. The renowned sculptor Paulo Neves was responsible for this transformation, carving the ash tree's trunk into four sculptural pieces. These works represent Saint Anthony, Saint John, Saint Peter, and Saint Julian, four of the most venerated saints in Figueira da Foz. The sculptures are permanently displayed in the Interior Garden of the Centre for Arts and Entertainment, serving as a tribute and a new way to preserve the essence of the tree.

The Preservation of Collective Memory

The initiative to transform the old ash tree into sculptures reflects the recognition of its value not only as a natural element, but also as an integral part of the collective memory of the people of Figueira da Foz and the local heritage. The resulting art pieces are a testament to the ability to preserve the history and identity of a place, transforming the loss of a natural symbol into a celebration of its enduring influence. Visiting the Freixo de Santo Antonio today is, therefore, to contemplate this union between nature, history, and artistic expression, offering a unique perspective on the cultural legacy of Figueira da Foz.

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