Along the Paths of Artists and Writers

José Maria de Eça de Queiroz was one of the most prominent Portuguese writers of the 19th century, known for his Realism and social satire in his works. He was the only Portuguese novelist who achieved international fame in his time.

Although he studied law and briefly practised as a lawyer, Eça de Queiroz found his true calling in literature. In addition to novels, he wrote short stories, essays, and plays.

“The Crime of Father Amaro.” was his first major work and a significant milestone in introducing Realism in Portugal. It is considered the best Portuguese realist novel of the 19th century.

Visit this tribute to one of the most esteemed Portuguese writers.

Located in the parish of Canelas, this art installation celebrates the renowned writer Eça de Queiroz. In this artistic tribute to this illustrious member of the famous Generation of 70, you can read: “Art is everything – everything else is nothing. Only a book is capable of creating the eternity of a people” (Preface to “Azulejos” by Conde de Arnoso). Visit this celebration of one of the most esteemed Portuguese writers.

Here’s an interesting fact: Did you know that the first elementary school in the parish of Canelas was inaugurated by Eça de Queiroz?

The first record of this impressive place dates back to the year 1042. Did you know that the Solar dos Condes de Resende was significant in Eça de Queiroz’s life? Why? It was in this splendid house that Queiroz fell in love with his future wife, Emília de Castro Pamplona – sister of the Counts of Resende who lived here. Among the gardens, while the camellias blossomed, romance flourished!

Come and explore this space and sit beside the statue of Eça.

One of the greatest poets of the 20th century, with an intimate language that evoked the seas, the days, the beings, and the times, Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen (1919 – 2004) was born in Porto. Still, it was in Vila Nova de Gaia that she spent her holidays in the family house near Praia da Granja.

Her family had a significant influence on the Gaiense panorama, as it was in Gaia that her grandfather landed from Denmark and decided to stay. It is said that he disagreed with the ship’s captain and never set sail again! Here, he established his wine business, and the Andresen family had a solid connection to wines in the region.

Almeida Garrett (1799-1854), born in Porto, is a highly regarded figure in Portugal. He played multiple roles throughout his life, including that of a re-founder of Portuguese theatre, a creator of modern prose, an initiator of romanticism, a contemporary lyricist, a politician, a journalist, and a legislator. His family moved to the Azores during the Napoleonic invasion, and he spent his childhood on Terceira Island.

Garrett was an innovative, pioneering, creative, and revolutionary writer, known for his incredible literary works such as the poem “Camões” which initiated the romantic movement in Portuguese territory. He also wrote the majestic book “Viagens na Minha Terra” which encouraged modern prose in Portugal. These are just a few examples of his many notable works.

António Teixeira Lopes (1866-1942) was born in Vila Nova de Gaia and grew up in a modest house near the Devesas Ceramic Factory.

The Gaia-born artist dedicated himself to sculpture from a young age, starting to work in his father’s workshop. He lived in Paris and developed his art focusing on historical and religious themes, portraying individuals influential in the national landscape, such as Eça de Queiroz and Soares dos Reis. Teixeira Lopes considered it significant to tell the life stories of these figures in narratives of marble and bronze.

António Soares dos Reis (1847-1889) is regarded as one of the greatest Portuguese sculptors of the 19th century. He was born in the parish of Mafamude, Vila Nova de Gaia and at the age of 14, he enrolled in the School of Fine Arts.

In 1867, he went to Paris to study at the renowned École Imperiale et Speciale des Beaux-Arts, where he excelled as the best student in his class.

Upon his return to Portugal in 1872, Soares dos Reis was already a well-known name in the country and was frequently commissioned for various projects. He created many notable works, including the statues of Afonso Henriques and “The Exile.” The latter is considered the most remarkable Portuguese sculpture from the 19th century. Truly, Soares dos Reis was a master!

From the beautiful Largo de S. Sebastião, in the welcoming parish of Mafamude, Vila Nova de Gaia, comes the name of a celebrated artist whose legacy lives on: Diogo de Macedo (1889-1959), a renowned sculptor and writer born in Gaia.

Macedo’s formative years were spent in Gaia, where he honed his skills in drawing, modeling, and sculpting under the tutelage of his first master, the sculptor Fernandes Caldas. At the age of 13, he enrolled in the Porto Academy of Fine Arts. In 1911, he made the journey to Paris, as many artists of his time did, to expand his knowledge and mingle with other brilliant creative minds.