António Feliciano de Castilho

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Oeiras > Tapada do Mocho > Bairro do Bugio

Location

The space dedicated to António Feliciano de Castilho is integrated into a vast green area of the municipality of Oeiras, in the locality of Tapada do Mocho, more specifically in the Bairro do Bugio area. This location is set in an environment designed for leisure and culture, benefiting from surroundings that invite tranquility and reflection. Its position allows for a visitor experience that combines historical memory with the serenity of a well-maintained environment, being easily accessible within this urban area.

The Evocative Space

This homage to António Feliciano de Castilho is materialized in an artistic intervention named "Pétala 21" (Petal 21). It is a sculptural piece conceived by the renowned artist Pedro Cabrita Reis. The element is more than just a simple statue; it is a symbolic representation of the poet's presence and legacy, inviting contemplation and discovery of his importance in Portuguese culture. The choice of material and form seeks to dialogue with the surrounding landscape, creating a distinctive point of interest that marks his life and work.

A Figure of Literature

António Feliciano de Castilho (1800-1875) was a central figure of Portuguese Romanticism, notable not only as a writer but also as a polemicist and pedagogue, being the inventor of the renowned Castilho Reading Method. His trajectory was marked by a unique challenge: he lost his sight almost completely at the age of six due to measles. Despite being blind, Castilho showed remarkable resilience, studying through listening and dictating his entire vast literary work. His erudition in Latin, classical humanities, and a deep command of the Portuguese language allowed him to stand out as a poet and prose writer, leaving a lasting legacy in literature and pedagogy.

Legacy and Inspiration

The presence of this artistic element in Oeiras celebrates not only António Feliciano de Castilho's literary journey but also his remarkable capacity for overcoming adversity. His story, of someone who, despite blindness, managed to achieve a high degree of knowledge and artistic production, serves as an inspiration. It is a reminder of the power of the human mind and spirit in the face of adversity. Visiting this location is connecting with a rich part of Portuguese intellectual history, reflecting on the importance of words and culture in the formation of a nation.

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