Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Leiria > Caldas da Rainha > Caldas da Rainha > Avenal
Dom Carlos I Park, known in the Avenal area, is located in the heart of Caldas da Rainha. Its central location in the city gives it a prominent role, functioning as a landmark green space, accessible and integrated into the daily life of the locality.
The history of Dom Carlos I Park dates back to a period when the area was composed of vineyards and olive groves. Originally conceived at the end of the 19th century, in 1888, its initial purpose was to provide a tranquil and regenerating environment for the users of the nearby Queen D. Leonor Thermal Hospital. The architect Rodrigo Maria Berquó was responsible for its transformation, in 1889, into a romantic-style garden space, which began to attract the bourgeoisie of the time, spurred by the arrival of the new railway line in the city. Over the decades, the park has been improved, maintaining its essence as a place of rest and leisure.
The large structures seen today, the pavilions, were designed by Rodrigo Berquó at the end of the 19th century to serve as a new hospital. Although they never fulfilled this function, they housed various institutions for over a century, witnessing different phases of local history. Currently, these imposing constructions, though unoccupied, remain a striking architectural element and a focus for the park's future.
This urban park is a space that invites tranquility, centered around a picturesque artificial lake that was created in 1891. Its waters are inhabited by a population of swans and ducks, which move freely, contributing to the calm atmosphere of the place. Visitors find here a vast green area with winding, tree-lined paths, ideal for relaxing strolls, where the diversity of plants and the exuberance of the foliage offer a fresh and inviting environment.
It has numerous entrances and is delimited by an elegant, richly crafted metal railing. Inside, red benches invite rest, amidst flower beds and lush foliage. In certain areas, bougainvillea stands out, adding vibrant splashes of color to the landscape.
Dom Carlos I Park integrates an important cultural collection, with various sculptures distributed along its paths. Pieces by notable artists such as Leopoldo de Almeida, Henrique Moreira, and Salvador Barata Feyo enrich the park's corners, inviting artistic contemplation amidst nature. Additionally, this space houses various museum institutions, making it a relevant cultural hub in Caldas da Rainha, where one can discover the artistic heritage and history of the region. A particular example of local creativity are the ceramic monkey figures, authored by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, which can be found hanging from the trees, in homage to the city's ceramic tradition.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.399237,-9.131132
Coordinates DMS: 39°23'57.3"N 09°07'52.1"W
Weather Caldas da Rainha
On-duty Pharmacy Caldas da Rainha
