Public Garden Forest of Évora

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Évora > Évora > Évora > Horta das Figueiras

Location

Situated within the historic walls of Évora, the Public Garden Wood is located in the area known as Horta das Figueiras, contributing to the green richness of the city center. Its main entrances are distributed along the surrounding streets, such as Rua da República, Largo de São Francisco, and Rua do Raimundo. The space follows the line of the city's ancient defenses and bulwarks, creating a harmonious transition between the urban environment and a denser natural area.

A Romantic Stroll

This remarkable green space, designed in the 19th century by architect Giuseppe Cinatti, reflects the romantic ideal of English gardens. Its irregular layout, with paths winding through the vegetation, was conceived to create an experience of discovery and surprise, bringing the built environment closer to natural spontaneity. A stroll here reveals an atmosphere of calm and invites contemplation, reminiscent of the great European public gardens of the era.

Historical and Artistic Elements

Exploring the garden reveals a rich collection of historical and artistic elements. At the heart of the more landscaped area, a beautiful hexagonal-plan bandstand stands out, with its stone base, tile details, and a remarkable Moorish-inspired roof. Further on, the Fake Ruins, a 19th-century construction incorporating vestiges of a 16th-century tower and unique Mudejar-style windows, surprise with their landscape integration and serve as an elevated viewpoint for observing the garden.

The garden also hosts various statues and busts, such as tributes to Vasco da Gama and Florbela Espanca, in addition to a bust dedicated to the architect Giuseppe Cinatti himself. The presence of remnants of the D. Manuel Palace, a Manueline wing with its gallery, enriches the historical narrative of the site, integrating palatial architecture into the park's natural environment.

The Wood: Nature and Serenity

The Public Garden Wood is divided into two main areas, with the western zone exhibiting a pronounced vegetation density. Here, the predominance of autochthonous species contrasts with the exotic varieties of the more formal part of the garden, creating a diverse ecosystem. The flora includes specimens such as cedars, magnolias, and carob trees, complemented by aloe vera which, during flowering season, adds vibrant chromatic notes.

In this wilder section, a network of paths invites tranquil exploration. The main routes follow the ancient wall and the city's towers, while secondary paths, paved with granite slabs, unfold among the flowerbeds. Numerous benches covered with blue and white tiles, featuring decorative patterns, offer resting spots. It is also in this area that a picnic area is located, equipped with tables and benches under the generous shade of centenary trees, and a more recent pergola, made of wrought iron and marble, ideal for outdoor socializing.

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