Bridge Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Braga > Braga > Braga

Location

Parque da Ponte is located in the city of Braga, within the area known as Urbanização Bracara Augusta. It is situated at the end of Avenida da Liberdade, forming a green lung in the midst of the urban environment. It is bordered to the north by the Este River and, to the east and south, by Monte do Picoto, offering a natural setting along its greenest limits.

Origin and Structure

This park originated from the expropriation of the old Quinta da Mitra in 1911, an area that once belonged to the archbishops of Braga. Its name refers to an ancient medieval bridge that, over the Este River, connected to Guimarães. The park is divided into two distinct areas: an older, exterior part, and an interior part, separated by railings that belonged to the city's old Public Garden. Each of these sections possesses its own characteristics and environments.

Heritage and Memory

The oldest part of the park developed around the Chapel of São João, a central element for the identity of the place. This area is historically the stage for the traditional São João festivities in Braga, keeping a strong cultural connection alive. Within the space, there is also a monument evoking April 25th, celebrating the values of freedom and democracy. The park also houses architectural and sculptural pieces reused from demolished buildings in Braga, such as columns, capitals, a cruzeiro (stone cross), the image of the "One-Armed Devil", and a stone arch that belonged to the old Fish Market, lending it the character of an open-air museum.

Nature and Leisure

Parque da Ponte is a green space with great botanical diversity, featuring not only indigenous species from the region but also examples of trees from different latitudes of the world, such as the Oregon Cedar, Sequoia, and Silver Lime. In the heart of the park, an artificial lake is surrounded by a fitness trail, ideal for relaxing walks. Visitors can also enjoy an open-air auditorium and two playgrounds, making it a suitable place for rest and family gatherings.

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