Barrocas Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Braga > Barcelos > Barcelos > Barcelos, Vila Boa e Vila Frescainha (São Martinho e São Pedro)

Location

Situated in the heart of Barcelos, this public garden is located in a central and elevated area of the city. It occupies a position that develops in terraces, giving it a notable and distinct presence in the historic urban fabric, inviting a tranquil pause from the city's rhythm.

A Historic Legacy

The Barrocas Garden has its roots in the 18th century, when it was conceived as a grand "public promenade." Its creation aimed to beautify the city of Barcelos, reflecting the provincial rococo style of the era, enriched by neoclassical elements. This space was designed to be a meeting point and a place for leisure, maintaining its recreational function to this day.

Art and Nature in Harmony

The design of the Barrocas Garden is marked by its trapezoidal layout and its organization into two distinct levels. The central element is an imposing baroque wall, dating from its original conception in the 18th century, which serves as a division between the levels. This wall is decorated with urns and scrolls, culminating in a monumental staircase in the center, flanked by elegant neoclassical obelisks that connect the two terraces.

Integrated into the wall are two fountains that add a touch of freshness and serenity to the environment. The current landscape arrangement, the result of interventions from the 20th century, presents a formal garden, with defined flowerbeds and boxwood and camellia topiaries, which integrate harmoniously with the grandeur of the older architectural elements, such as the plane trees and cypresses that also enrich the space.

An Invitation to Tranquility

The Barrocas Garden is a prime space for those seeking a moment of tranquility and contemplation. Its paths invite a relaxing walk, allowing one to appreciate the symmetry of its design and the beauty of its historical and natural details. It is a true oasis of calm, ideal for a pleasant break and for absorbing the serene atmosphere that the place offers in the center of Barcelos.

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