Vila Flor Cultural Center Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Braga > Guimarães > Urgezes

Location

The Vila Flor Cultural Centre Garden is situated in the city of Guimarães, adjacent to its historic centre, an area recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its strategic position offers a singular perspective on the surrounding urban landscape, serving as a serene transition between city architecture and the tranquility of a green space.

Historical Legacy

With its origins in the 18th century, this garden is an integral part of the former Vila Flor Estate, complementing the Vila Flor Palace, a significant construction of the era. Throughout history, this place was the scene of important moments, such as the festivities in honour of King D. José I, celebrated in 1750. Its grandeur and the way it was conceived were, from an early stage, highlighted in ancient records for its "admirable... greatness and structure," attesting to the value attributed to it.

Design and Landscape Composition

The gardens are distinguished by their terraced structure and the predominant presence of boxwood shrubs, which have been carefully preserved over the centuries. This layout, which extends in front of the north façade of the Palace, is a notable example of Portuguese noble landscape architecture. Its careful requalification earned it an Honourable Mention in 2006, within the scope of the National Landscape Architecture Prize, in the category of Outdoor Public Use Spaces.

Panoramic Viewpoint

As visitors stroll through the paths of this garden, they are invited to appreciate a privileged view over Guimarães. From here, it is possible to contemplate not only the vast landscape of the city but also icons such as the grand Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the ancient Castle of Guimarães, essential elements that shape the local historical horizon.

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