Abade de Baçal Museum Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Bragança > Bragança > Bragança > Sé, Santa Maria e Meixedo

Location

The Garden of the Abade de Baçal Museum is situated in the heart of the city of Bragança, in the urban area encompassing the parishes of Sé, Santa Maria, and Meixedo. It is intimately connected to the building of the old Episcopal Palace, which houses the museum, giving it a central presence and a direct link to the history of the city of Bragança. Its position allows for easy access and invites a serene pause in the city's environment.

Origins and Transformation

This green space has deep roots in local history, occupying what was once the walled enclosure of the Episcopal Palace. Over the centuries, this area served various purposes, including the cultivation of vegetables at different times. In the 1940s, the site was transformed into a French-inspired garden, demonstrating an aesthetic concern for the space. Its current physiognomy is the result of a significant landscape architecture intervention, carried out between 1994 and 2006, integrated into a broader remodeling project for the museum itself.

A Contemporary and Unique Design

The garden's current configuration is the result of the work of architects António Portugal and Manuel Maria Reis, with the particular contribution of plastic artist Cristina Valadas. The project sought to infuse a more playful spirit into the space, challenging the formality of traditional gardens. The most striking element is a boxwood spiral carefully designed, culminating in a small water mirror. The presence of a sundial enriches this corner, inviting contemplation and the perception of time passing in an environment of quietude.

Space for Contemplation and Leisure

With a generous lawn area of approximately four thousand square meters, the garden represents a refuge of tranquility accessible to all who visit Bragança. It is an invitation to public enjoyment, an ideal place for a moment of rest, to enjoy the outdoors, or simply to appreciate the beauty and design of the landscaping. Its vast extent and well-maintained environment provide a relaxing and welcoming experience in the city center.

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