José Régio

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Oeiras > Oeiras > Tapada do Mocho

Location

Located in the Tapada do Mocho urbanization, in the municipality of Oeiras, the space dedicated to José Régio is situated in a vast area of tranquility and urban green spaces. It is a point of contemplation, accessible and well-integrated into the Oeiras landscape, inviting a moment of pause and reflection.

A Literary Legacy

This place pays homage to José Régio, one of the most relevant figures in Portuguese literature of the 20th century. José Régio, the pseudonym of José Maria dos Reis Pereira, was a multifaceted author: poet, playwright, novelist, and essayist. He played a central role in the Portuguese cultural scene, notably as editor and director of the influential magazine “Presença,” which marked an era and rehabilitated important names of modernism.

The Sculpture and its Symbolism

The heart of this space is a sculpture created by Francisco Simões, which captures the essence of the poet's personality. The figure is depicted in a particular posture, with legs slightly bent, evoking a man seeking a more upright position, perhaps symbolic of his introspection and the psychologizing tendency present in some literary currents of the time. Around the figure's body, a vine snakes, an element that carries the dual meaning of life and a pilgrim's staff, suggesting Régio's existential and creative journey.

An Invitation to Reflection

The natural surroundings of this memorial were designed to complement the homage. Cypresses, olive trees, and stone pines surround the sculpture, symbolizing the deep roots of José Régio's multifaceted personality as a poet, novelist, playwright, and essayist. This serene environment offers an ideal haven for those seeking a moment of introspection or simply a calm place to appreciate the connection between art, nature, and the memory of a literary figure who contributed so much to Portuguese culture.

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