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Historical places

Tomb of Antonio Machado

4.5 · 2,025 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation
Tomb of Antonio Machado, 1 Imp. du Jardin Baretge, 66190 Collioure, France
Interesting facts
1

Antonio Machado died in the Hôtel Bougnol-Quintana, which still stands in Collioure today.

2

His mother, Ana Ruiz, died three days after him and is buried in the same grave.

3

A mailbox attached to the grave wall serves as a repository for poems and messages left by visitors from around the world.

4

Machado's last written words were 'Estos días azules y este sol de la infancia' (These blue days and this sun of childhood).

5

The poet's coat, found after his death, contained the final draft of his last poem.

6

The grave became a symbol of Spanish resistance against the Franco regime during the mid-20th century.

7

The site is maintained by the Foundation Antonio Machado, which coordinates regular literary tributes.

Overview

The Tomb of Antonio Machado serves as the final resting place for one of Spain's most influential 20th-century poets, who fled to Collioure during the Spanish Civil War. Located in the municipal cemetery of Collioure, the grave is a site of pilgrimage for literature enthusiasts and Spanish cultural history scholars. Machado died in this coastal town in 1939, just days after crossing the French border. The grave is marked by a simple, weathered stone and often adorned with letters, notebooks, and pens left by visiting admirers. The site remains a quiet testament to the hardships of exile and the legacy of the Generation of '98 literary movement. It is situated within the town's public cemetery, which overlooks the Mediterranean coastline.

Photo spot

The headstone area where the accumulated letters and pens provide a poignant, textured foreground.

Insider tips

Bring a pen or a small notebook to leave as a symbolic tribute, a common tradition among visitors.

Walk the narrow streets of Collioure afterward to see the hotel where Machado spent his final days.

Respect the fact that this is an active municipal cemetery; keep voices low.

What to avoid

Do not treat the site as a loud tourist attraction; avoid loud conversations or photography that disrupts mourners.

Etiquette

Maintain a respectful, quiet demeanor as this is a functional graveyard.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
20-30 minutes
Best time to visit
Early morning in spring or autumn to avoid the peak heat and summer crowds.
Address
Tomb of Antonio Machado, 1 Imp. du Jardin Baretge, 66190 Collioure, France
42.525, 3.082
Get directions
Details
Notable FigureAntonio Machado (1875-1939)
Cultural SignificanceSymbol of the Spanish literary 'Generation of '98' and political exile.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 20-30 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning in spring or autumn to avoid the peak heat and summer crowds..

The headstone area where the accumulated letters and pens provide a poignant, textured foreground.

Close by you'll find Royal Castle of Collioure, Fort Saint Elme, Port Coullioure.