The Quinta das Lágrimas, or the House of Tears to give it its English name, fully lives up to its romantic past. One of the most famous love stories in Portuguese history, immortalised by Camões, Portugal's greatest poet, is that of the forbidden but eternal love between Prince Pedro and Dona Inês, a lady-in-waiting to his wife.
King Alfonso IV, Pedro's father, ordered three noblemen to put Dona Inês de Castro to death and the last tears she shed at Quinta das Lágrimas before dying gave rise to its name. It is only a 10-minute walk from Coimbra city centre, one of Portugal’s most attractive cities, though the surrounding buildings are rather mundane. Throughout the years the Quinta has been honoured with the visit of several illustrious characters, who left important traces of their presence.
One of these was Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington and Commander of the British forces that helped to push back the Napoleonic invasions. Certainly one of the most historic accommodations in the region.
The staff was very helpful during our stay. Our first room was in the older part of the hotel and on our first morning we woke to construction noise outside of our window at 7:45 am. We asked if this could be delayed the next morning and they offered to move us to a different room for the 2nd night. This was a very satisfactory response as this was the most expensive accommodation of our stay in Portugal it was alarming to us to have this noise wake us on our first morning. The breakfast was excellent and the wait staff were very attentive. Thank you!
Oasis in Coimbra
by Luca
Date of stay 08/04/2015
A smooth atmosphere, seems to be back in time, to fantasize about the story of Pedro and Iñes, to get enchanted by the garden and the relics of the past.
While outside Coimbra is alive.
A pity having not tried the restaurant.