Dom Carlos I Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Leiria > Caldas da Rainha > Caldas da Rainha > Avenal

Location

Dom Carlos I Park is located in Caldas da Rainha, in the Avenal area, in a central position in the city. Its urban setting, on a gentle south-facing slope, allows for harmonious integration with the urban fabric. It is flanked by important roads and is easily accessible, featuring several entrances that invite exploration.

A Historical and Transformative Legacy

The origins of Dom Carlos I Park date back to the 18th century, during the reign of D. João V, when it was a wooded area adjacent to the Queen D. Leonor Thermal Hospital. Initially, its function was to serve as a place of convalescence and rest for patients. This environment, then known as "Passeio da Copa" (Copa Promenade), already offered a space for leisure and recovery, reflecting the practices of the time.

A significant transformation occurred at the end of the 19th century, under the administration of the architect Rodrigo Maria Berquó. It was during this period that the park was named in honor of King D. Carlos I and consolidated as an area for leisure and entertainment. Berquó conceived a romantic space, with the creation of an artificial lake, wide avenues, and a bandstand, transforming the park into a meeting point and social attraction for visitors from all over the country. Later, in the mid-20th century, the park underwent a large-scale renovation, designed by the landscape architect Francisco Caldeira Cabral, who introduced formal garden elements and enhanced the botanical diversity and the interplay of light and shadow.

The Landscape Composition

Dom Carlos I Park is a green space with a diverse landscape language, combining elements of formal garden with more fluid and naturalized areas. It is possible to distinguish distinct zones: one dedicated to active recreation, another to passive leisure, and a third, denser one, resembling a forest. The artificial lake is one of its focal points, reflecting the surrounding architecture and allowing boat trips that offer a different perspective of the space.

Its avenues are lined with centenary plane trees, offering shade and a pleasant pathway. The landscape project includes elements such as pergolas and a rose garden, with a geometric design, which enrich the environment with textures and colors. Along the paths, visitors will find a wide variety of tree and shrub species, contributing to the natural richness and scenic beauty of the park.

Culture and Leisure at the Heart of the Park

In addition to its natural dimension, Dom Carlos I Park is an important cultural and recreational hub. It houses the José Malhoa Museum, a building of classical design that integrates into the park's landscape, dedicated to the naturalist painter. Along its paths and nooks, various sculptures by renowned artists, such as Leopoldo de Almeida, Soares dos Reis, and Franco, are distributed, inviting an artistic discovery journey. The bandstand, a testament to its history as a social gathering space, continues to host cultural and musical events.

The park also offers several leisure options, including tennis courts and a playground. It also features areas designated for picnics and lawns where visitors can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. The historic pavilions, once designed for hospital functions and now notable for their architecture, add a particular interest to the complex, with their image often reflected in the tranquil waters of the lake.

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