Dr. Manuel Braga Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra

Location

The Doutor Manuel Braga Park is located in Coimbra, extending along the right bank of the Mondego River. Its riverside position offers wide perspectives of the riverbed and the surrounding urban landscape, notably the hillside of the city. It is situated next to Avenida Emídio Navarro, serving as a confluence point between the urban space and the river.

Historical and Natural Layout

This green space, of a triangular layout, features a carefully curated composition of flowerbeds and inviting promenades. Originally known as Cais das Ameias, it was transformed into a public promenade in the late 19th century. In the 1920s, with the intervention of landscaper Jacinto de Matos, it was consolidated as a garden. In 1955, it was named after Dr. Manuel Braga, perpetuating the memory of this figure associated with the city. Its trees with dense canopies, such as lindens and plane trees, provide pleasantly shady environments, ideal for moments of rest and contemplation.

Architectural and Artistic Elements

Among the architectural elements that stand out in the park is a bandstand of great value. This octagonal structure, made of wrought and cast iron, is an example of late 19th and early 20th-century architecture, with its decoration inspired by Art Nouveau and vegetal capitals. Access to the bandstand is via a stone staircase with an iron railing that displays delicate foliage and flowers.

Along the wall that borders the river, it is possible to observe benches covered with tiles from Fábrica Aleluia, which feature floral motifs in monochrome and polychromatic tones. The park also hosts several sculptures, including a bronze bust dedicated to Dr. Manuel Braga, a marble bust in homage to the writer Antero de Quental, and a monument with two stylized stone figures dedicated to Florbela Espanca. An old Water Pumping Station building, an integral part of the city's water supply history, is also located within the park, being a notable example of industrial architecture of the era.

Botanical Richness and Serene Environment

The natural richness of the Doutor Manuel Braga Park is evident in its botanical diversity. It is possible to find a vast collection of deciduous and evergreen trees, such as hybrid plane trees, lindens, liquidambars, Himalayan and Atlas cedars, sequoias, and various species of palm trees. Complementing the arboreal flora are shrubs such as boxwoods and camellias, and a carpet of flowering plants, including begonias, marigolds, and lilies.

This variety of species creates a serene and dynamic environment, which transforms throughout the seasons, always providing a pleasant experience. It is an inviting place for tranquil walks, reading, or simply enjoying the natural atmosphere and the riverside breeze.

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