Cemitério de Oliveira do Arda

“When I die, I want to be with my miners.” These words, spoken by Jean Tyssen, echo through the years at the Cemitério de Oliveira do Arda. This cemetery, a place of quiet repose, holds a special significance for the memory of a man who dedicated much of his life to the nearby Couto Mineiro do Pejão. Jean Tyssen, a Belgian industrialist, took the reins of the struggling Empresa Carbonífera do Douro in 1933. He wouldn’t just revive the company. He would transform it into a symbol of progress and community. Under his leadership, the company flourished, becoming a vital source of employment for the region. Tyssen’s impact extended beyond the mines. He believed in uplifting the community. One of his most enduring legacies was the establishment of the CAP – Centro Artístico do Pejão in 1947. This cultural center, gifted with instruments by Tyssen himself, nurtured the musical talents of the miners, leading to the formation of the Tuna de Pedorido, which later evolved into the beloved Banda do Pejão. Years later, when the Hospital de Oliveira do Arda was inaugurated in 1952, Tyssen made his wish known. He wanted to rest among those he respected and worked for: his miners. His wish was honored. Today, he rests in the Cemitério de Oliveira do Arda. His grave is a poignant reminder of a man who, though not born in this land, chose to make it his home. It is a place where the community remembers a leader, a patron, and a friend.