In the region of Coimbra there are a lot of legends and myths, but we are going to talk about the…………….

The romance of king D.Pedro and Inês de Castro

One of the most beautiful love stories of all time was the tragic passion between D. Pedro and Inês de Castro, who continues to impress us with its strength, timelessness and all the feelings involved: intrigue, hatred, jealousy, conflict of interests, love. Two hearts resting side by side, lived a titanic struggle for their love but … lying in peace now. In fact, passion can overcome death.

Pedro was born in 1320 and from an early age his parents, King D. Afonso IV and Beatrice, tried to get him a wife. One of his first attempts didn´t work, but twenty years later his father sent messengers to the neighbouring kingdom of Castile, asking the hand of Constança Manuel. The request was accepted , and in 1340 it was organized a committee to welcome the future Queen.

In this meeting , Pedro saw one of Constança’s maids (Inês de Castro) and he, immediately, fell in love.

Constança died a few years later, and D. Pedro was free to love and marry Inês de Castro.

It is thought that King D. Pedro and Inês de Castro never married because of the royal family. D. Afonso IV could never accept that love or his son’s passion. D. Afonso, advised by some important men of the Kingdom, ordered the elimination of Inês de Castro.

The unfortunate Inês was murdered near the spring of a fountain, nowadays, called "Quinta das Lágrimas“ (Tears Farm). The legend says that her blood mixed with the waters of the fountain can still run, turning the water red.

Work carried out by:

Afonso DavidDaniel Batista

7ºA