Silva Porto Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Benfica > Bairro de Santa Cruz de Benfica

Location

Parque Silva Porto, often known as Mata de Benfica, is located in the Santa Cruz de Benfica neighborhood, an area of Lisbon. Given its size, it serves as an important green space, offering a natural refuge within the urban environment. The main entrance to the park is at the end of Avenida Grão Vasco, close to Estrada de Benfica, making it easy for visitors to find.

A Century-Old History

The history of this space dates back to 1880, when João Carlos Ulrich ordered a grove to be planted to beautify the Feteira Palace, then his property. Later, César Augusto de Figueiredo acquired the site and, in 1911, decided to offer it to the Lisbon City Council, with the condition that it be made accessible to all citizens. In honor of the painter António da Silva Porto, it was named after him, and a bronze bust of the artist, created in 1950 by António Augusto da Costa Motta (nephew), greets visitors at the entrance. The imposing iron gates that mark the main entrance also have a historical connection, as they came from the old gates of São Sebastião da Pedreira.

The Artistic Kiosk

Inside the park, an architectural element that stands out is its kiosk. Built in 1916, based on a 1913 design by architect José Alexandre Soares, its distinction lies particularly in the tile panels that adorn it. These are a notable example of the Art Nouveau style, created by José António Jorge Pinto, one of the important names of that artistic movement. The panels depict floral themes and evocative figures such as "Mal me quer" (He loves me not), "Bem me quer" (He loves me), "Muito" (A lot), "Pouco" (A little), "Nada" (Not at all), "O Bosque" (The Grove), and "A Caça" (The Hunt), giving the kiosk a unique aesthetic and cultural value.

Natural Environment and Biodiversity

Spanning five hectares, Parque Silva Porto is a space of considerable natural richness. Its flora is diverse, featuring 22 different types of shrubs and trees. Among the most notable species, one can observe the Buçaco cedar, the eucalyptus, the cypress, the Aleppo pine, the stone pine, the oak, and the cork oak. The fauna, although less visible, is equally interesting, with the presence of various birds like goldfinches and linnets, and the particularity of finding collared doves, which are less common in urban contexts. The park is also home to squirrels, which can be spotted among the foliage. A natural lake complements the landscape, contributing to the serene and inviting atmosphere of this urban refuge.

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