Farm of Tears - Where time slows down and love remains
In Coimbra, between the serenity of the Mondego River and the echo of immortal loves, lies a place where history merges with the present, where nature breathes deeply and luxury knows how to wait. Quinta das Lágrimas is more than a five-star hotel—it is a symbol of the Portuguese soul, a sanctuary of beauty, memory, and contemplation. Today, in the era of slow living, it reveals itself as a destination where the art of good living takes shape and meaning.
«Quinta das Lágrimas is more than a five-star hotel – it is a symbol of the Portuguese soul […].»
The story begins in the 14th century, behind the scenes at court, when Prince Pedro and his Galician nurse, Inês de Castro, defied convention and experienced a love that still moves people today. It is said that it was in the gardens of Quinta das Lágrimas that Inês wept for the last time before being assassinated by order of King Afonso IV. Her tears are said to have given rise to the Fountain of Tears, where reddish stains can still be seen on the stone. Between legend and poetry, this place has become eternal.
But the Quinta is much more than the setting for a romantic tragedy. It's also an 18th-century palace transformed into a charming hotel, a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World chain, surrounded by 12 hectares of historic gardens. Here, each space evokes the elegance of the past with modern comforts. The 55 rooms are divided into three distinct wings: the Palace rooms, with the charm and romanticism of the past, offer a stay in history itself; the Garden rooms breathe the freshness of the botanical garden and overlook the setting where Pedro and Inês's love blossomed; and the Spa rooms, with their modern design, open onto the woods and hills of Coimbra, offering a retreat of absolute well-being.
The soul of the farm lies in its gardens—a veritable open-air botanical museum. There are lawns welcoming birds, bamboo groves, centuries-old trees, and rare species like Wellington redwoods, planted after the visit of the eponymous duke. The medieval garden, organic vegetable garden, and romantic lake intersect with the Fonte dos Amores (Fountain of Love), where, according to tradition, Pedro left messages for Inês to float to her. In the heart of the forest stands the Colina de Camões Amphitheater, an award-winning landscape project that hosts cultural events, music, and silence.
Among these centuries-old trees, the Figueira dos Amores (Loves Fig) stands out, winner of the national Tree of the Year 2025 competition and awarded second place in Europe. Approximately 150 years old, 35 meters tall, and with a crown diameter of 40 meters, this Australian fig was planted in the 19th century by an aristocratic collector, following seed exchanges with the Sydney Botanical Gardens. Its imposing presence—next to the Fonte dos Amores (Loves Fountain)—makes it a living symbol of the connection between nature, culture, and emotion, and reinforces Quinta das Lágrimas as the guardian of a heritage that can't just be seen: it can be felt.
The art of good living is also savored. Arcadas Restaurant, a fine dining venue recognized by La Liste as one of the 500 best in the world, celebrates local produce with sophistication and creativity. For more relaxed moments, Gastrobar and Pedro & Inês offer contemporary options. All with service where every gesture is carefully considered.
«Between legend and poetry, this place has become eternal.»
Sustainability is another pillar of the Fazenda's new life. The hotel received Biosphere Sustainable certification, committing to ecological practices, social responsibility, and appreciation for the local community. Here, luxury isn't excessive—it's conscious.
Just steps from the medieval center of Coimbra—the hometown of the university, fado, and poets—Quinta das Lágrimas continues to attract travelers, dreamers, and history buffs. With each visit, a reconnection with time. With silence. With beauty.
After all, that is the true luxury: having time to feel.
Text: All Rights Reserved
Photos: Tears Farm