Republic Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Açores > Velas > Velas > Velas (São Jorge)

Central Location

The Jardim da República is located in the heart of the village of Velas, occupying its main square. This central position makes it a landmark and a prominent open space in the historic center of the locality, offering an invitation to rest and observe the village's daily life.

From Farm to Public Garden

The history of this garden begins with a plot of land that was once a walled farm, with a house and orange plantations, donated by João Soares de Albergaria de Sousa. Its transformation into a public space began in 1836, when the urban arrangement of this area, which previously served as the village market, was decided. Between 1867 and 1870, the space was planted with trees, notably an imposing araucaria, which would later give way to an iconic element of the garden.

Key Features

One of the central points of the garden is its bandstand. Built in 1898, where the monumental araucaria once stood, the current bandstand is a faithful replica of the original. Since its creation, this stage has been the setting for various cultural activities, particularly musical concerts, enriching community life. Over time, the garden was embellished with flowerbed arrangements, burnt stone decorations, and the installation of walls and railings, which shaped its aesthetics in the early 20th century.

A Gathering Space

The Jardim da República is recognized as the "living room" of Velas, a welcoming and convivial space for those who visit or reside in the village. Among its vegetation, there is a peculiar corner known as the "Green Room," a place where a large tree offers shade to a table and benches, functioning as an informal meeting point for conversations and moments of relaxation. The preservation of urban furniture, such as benches and original-style lamps, contributes to maintaining the genuine and inviting character of this emblematic space.

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