Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fernando Pessoa
(1888-1935) used multiple personas in his poetry. He'd take on
the voice of a simple countryman and express his love of nature in free verse. Or he'd
write as an erudite scholar, sharing philosophical thoughts in a more formal style. By
varying his voice, he was able to more easily explore different viewpoints and truths.
While Pessoa loved the classics—reading Milton, Byron, Shelley, and Poe—he was
a true 20th-century bohemian at heart. Café A Brasileira, where he'd often meet with
friends, has a statue of Pessoa outside. Today, fado musicians still remember Pessoa,
paying homage to him by putting his poetry into the Portuguese version of the blues.
To the right of the altar is the sacristy where, along with huge chests of drawers for
vestments, you can see a series of 17th-century paintings illustrating scenes from the life
of St. Frances Xavier—founder of the Jesuit order.
The São Roque Museum, with some old paintings and church riches, is not as interest-
ing as the church itself (€2.50, Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00, closed Mon).
