Last week, the city of Pedrógão Grande in Portugal, situated about 55 kilometers from Coimbra, unveiled a memorial dedicated to the victims of the devastating 2017 forest fires. This tragic event claimed 66 lives and left 253 people injured. The monument was designed by renowned architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, the 2011 Pritzker Prize laureate.
The project was commissioned by Portuguese Infrastructure (IP) two years ago, with an estimated cost of 1.8 million euros. The centerpiece of the memorial is a framed lake spanning approximately 2,500 square meters. This lake is fed by a monumental 60-meter-long stone pillar. Surrounding the water are plantings of white water lilies, lilies, and peonies, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Additionally, the memorial features a wall engraved with the names of each victim, honoring their memory.
Eduardo Souto de Moura has a personal connection to this tragedy. An employee from his office lost their life returning from Praia das Rocas with their family. This profound loss motivated him to take on the project.
The Pedrógão Grande fire resulted in 66 fatalities and 253 injuries. It destroyed around 500 homes, including 261 permanent residences, and impacted 50 businesses. Tragically, over two-thirds of the deaths—47 people—occurred while they were driving on National Highway EN 236-1 between Castanheira de Pera and Figueiró dos Vinhos and became trapped by the flames.
The fire scorched approximately 53,000 hectares, of which 20,000 hectares were forest. The affected regions include Pedrógão Grande, Castanheira de Pera, and Figueiró dos Vinhos in Leiria District. The fire also spread into Coimbra District, impacting Góis, Penela, Pampilhosa da Serra, and Sertã. Additional areas affected were Álvarez and Ancião in Leiria, Agniel in Coimbra, and Oloros in Castelo Branco.
Four months after the June fire, on October 17, 2017, a second forest fire devastated the same region, claiming 49 more lives and raising the total death toll to 115. On June 16th, through a collaboration between Infraestruturas de Portugal and the Pedrógão Grande Fire Victims Association (AVIPG), the memorial was opened to the public without an official ceremony.
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