Afonso de Albuquerque Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Belém

Location

The Afonso de Albuquerque Garden is located in the historic area of Belém, Lisbon, occupying the square of the same name. It is positioned directly in front of the imposing Belém National Palace, the current official residence of the President of the Republic. Its location places it within Belém's monumental area, an emblematic site strongly linked to the Age of Portuguese Discoveries and close to the Tagus River bank.

Design and Environment

This garden features a formal layout, with a quadrangular plan and a symmetrical arrangement that extends over approximately 1.6 hectares. Its current design dates back to the time of the Portuguese World Exhibition of 1940, when the space was reformulated to achieve the configuration we know today. The garden includes extensive grassy areas and stone benches that invite a pause, and is punctuated by four artificial lakes, symmetrically arranged in its corners, elements that contribute to the tranquility and beauty of the place.

The Central Monument

At the center of the garden stands the monument honoring Afonso de Albuquerque, a major historical figure of the Portuguese Discoveries, known as the second Governor of India. The bronze statue, by sculptor Costa Motta, rests on a base with a Neo-Manueline style column, designed by Silva Pinto. This base is enriched with bas-reliefs illustrating significant moments from the life of the honored figure, detailing his historical importance.

A Place to Pause

The Afonso de Albuquerque Garden offers an atmosphere of relative calm in the heart of one of Lisbon's most visited areas. It often serves as a point of passage or rest for those exploring Belém. Its combination of open green spaces, water features, and the central monument provides a pleasant place to relax, appreciate the surrounding architecture, and soak in the area's historical atmosphere.

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