Dr. António da Silva Cabral Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Açores > Vila Franca do Campo > Vila Franca do Campo > São Pedro

Location

Situated in the parish of São Pedro, this garden is strategically positioned at the entrance of Vila Franca do Campo, for those arriving from the direction of Ponta Delgada. It occupies an area of historical significance, precisely in front of where the old Franciscan Convent once stood, using land that formerly belonged to its monastic enclosure. Its location offers a serene and easily accessible setting within the urban fabric of the town.

Origins and Vision

The Dr. António da Silva Cabral Garden was conceived at the beginning of the 20th century, with the aim of creating a space for leisure and social gathering for the population. The idea originated from Dr. António da Silva Cabral (1863-1953) himself, a highly recognized doctor and also the Municipal Mayor, who proposed its creation in 1901. His vision was to offer a "hygienic" and distracting place, providing the community with a pleasant space to enjoy their free time.

The initiative received support from various local citizens, who actively contributed to the beautification of this new green space. In 1902, the garden was officially named in his honor, recognizing his commitment and the importance of this project for Vila Franca do Campo.

Legacy and Recognition

Dr. António da Silva Cabral left a significant mark on the history of Vila Franca do Campo. Besides creating this garden, he was the main driving force behind the electrification of the municipality in 1900, making it the first in the Azores to have electric public lighting. This achievement underscores his innovative and progressive spirit.

In 1959, about half a century after its founding, the garden was enriched with the placement of a bust in honor of its patron, a work by sculptor Numídico Bessone. This sculptural piece is a focal point, perpetuating the memory of a man who dedicated a large part of his life to the development and well-being of the Vilafranquense community.

A Space for Leisure

Today, the garden maintains its original function as a recreation and relaxation area. It is a well-maintained green space, offering an inviting environment for a peaceful stroll. It has benefited from recent interventions that improved its accessibility, with the regularization of paths and the removal of architectural barriers, making it easier for all visitors to navigate.

Among the available amenities, there are leisure areas with a pergola, which offers a shaded retreat on warmer days. For enthusiasts of traditional activities, there is also a synthetic turf field dedicated to playing croquet, adding a sporting and social dimension to this peaceful garden.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt