Camilo Pessanha

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Oeiras > Oeiras > Tapada do Mocho

Location

The space dedicated to Camilo Pessanha is located in Tapada do Mocho, in Oeiras. Situated in a calm and verdant area, this place offers an environment conducive to reflection. Its position within the urban fabric of Oeiras allows for easy access, inviting a serene stroll for those seeking moments of tranquility.

The Symbolist Poet

Camilo Pessanha is recognized as one of the most important Portuguese poets, a leading figure of Symbolism in Portugal. Known for his only work published during his lifetime, "Clepsidra", his poetry is unique for its verse's musicality and linguistic innovation. His compositions reveal an introspective and often melancholic vision, profoundly marking 20th-century literature and influencing generations of writers.

A Corner with an Oriental Soul

This place pays homage to Camilo Pessanha through elements that directly refer to his life in Macau. Upon crossing the entrance portal, visitors are invited on a symbolic journey to the East. The path is winding, and one of the points of interest is the "Cave of Camões," a clear allusion to the Asian city where the poet lived and where the figure of Camões was also exiled, establishing a cultural bridge between two worlds. The ensemble creates a distinct atmosphere that invites exploration and contemplation of the fusion of cultures.

The Sculpture and its Meaning

At the center of this space, the sculpture of Camilo Pessanha, a work by artist Francisco Simões, is a focal point of great expressiveness. The representation of the poet is marked by a posture of introspection and fragility, wearing a white tunic that highlights his thinness, evoking his ascetic life and the influence of Eastern culture. On the ground, around the sculpture, concentric circles symbolize lines of latitude and longitude, suggesting the crossing and connection between hemispheres, reflecting Camilo Pessanha's life journey between Portugal and the East.

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