Category: Nature > Garden
District: Leiria > Caldas da Rainha > Caldas da Rainha > Avenal
It is located in the center of Caldas da Rainha, adjacent to the historic Rainha D. Leonor Thermal Hospital. Its urban location makes it easily accessible and a green refuge in the heart of Caldas. The park's terrain gently unfolds, offering various corners to discover.
The history of this park dates back to the 18th century when it was merely an area for the convalescence of patients seeking Caldas' thermal waters. It was a "promenade" where they could recover and benefit from the calming environment. In the late 19th century, under the vision of administrator Rodrigo Berquó, the space was radically transformed. Inspired by the Romanticism in vogue in Europe, a leisure park was created for the growing bourgeoisie, highlighted by the construction of a large artificial lake and the layout of inviting avenues, adapting it for those who sought Caldas da Rainha for social interaction and entertainment.
Throughout the 20th century, the park evolved, undergoing significant renovations, such as those led by landscape architect Francisco Caldeira Cabral in the 1950s. These interventions shaped the park, adding formal garden elements and enriching its flora, without losing its essence as a space for rest and leisure.
D. Carlos I Park is characterized by its landscape diversity. It is possible to find areas that retain a romantic spirit, with winding paths and denser vegetation, and other areas with a more formal and geometric design, as can be observed in the flowerbeds near the museum. There are large trees, many of them secular, such as plane trees and palm trees, which provide shade and beauty throughout the seasons.
The artificial lake is the central visual element of the park, a mirror of water that reflects the surrounding vegetation and nearby buildings, such as the historic pavilions, creating a scenic and peaceful environment for strollers.
Inside the park, one finds the José Malhoa Museum, the first building in Portugal purpose-built as a museum (inaugurated in 1940). The park also functions as an open-air gallery, with various sculptures by Portuguese artists scattered throughout its corners. There is also a historic bandstand, associated with musical moments that entertained vacationers throughout time.
For leisure, the lake offers the possibility of boat rides. The park features grassy areas ideal for relaxing or picnicking, paths for strolling, and spaces dedicated to more active pursuits, such as tennis courts and a children's area. Curious elements, such as the "Glass Sky" (Céu de Vidro) or representations linked to the creative universe of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, can be discovered during a walk through the park.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.4018257,-9.1339436
Coordinates DMS: 39°24'6.6"N 09°08'2.2"W
Weather Caldas da Rainha
On-duty Pharmacy Caldas da Rainha
