Penedo da Saudade, Coimbra

Penedo da Saudade, formerly known as Pedra dos Ventos (Boulder of the Winds), is a historic public garden established in 1849 in Coimbra. Located on a hillside, the garden offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mondego River, the Coimbra skyline, and the Coimbra City Stadium. Bounded by Avenida Dr. Marnoco e Sousa to the north and west, it faces south and east, making it a favored spot for both locals and visitors seeking tranquility and inspiration.

The terraced garden, known as "socalcos," features built-in benches and scenic rest spots. An elevated promenade garden, bordered by a walkway and parking area, leads to a central axis paved with traditional Portuguese stones, flanked by plane trees and hedges. Steep terraces host shrubs and plants, with trees mainly on the upper levels. A winding footpath through a wooded area connects the garden to Infanta Dona Maria Street.

In 2021, Coimbra City Council launched a project to expand and revitalize Jardim Penedo da Saudade. The plan added green spaces, improved pathways, and upgraded vegetation, infrastructure, and urban furniture. It extended the garden to Rua Infanta Dona Maria, transforming it into a larger urban park. The project also upgraded Avenida Marnoco e Sousa and Largo do Penedo da Saudade with a greener plaza, a kiosk, and better roadways and parking, enhancing security, lighting, and accessibility.

Penedo da Saudade is tied to the tragic love story of King Peter I and Ines de Castro, where Peter allegedly mourned her loss. Its melancholic inscriptions and scenic beauty have inspired poets, especially during the Romantic era. Joao de Deus adapted a Latin work by Santos Valente, referencing Peter’s "tears of mad longing" in this evocative landscape. Today, the garden remains a cherished landmark, blending historical legacy with contemporary renewal while preserving its air of poetic nostalgia.