Avelar Brotero Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Alcântara > Santo Amaro

Location

Jardim Avelar Brotero is located in the parish of Alcântara, in Lisbon, within the Santo Amaro area. This green space occupies an urban block, bordered by Filinto Elísio, Pedro Calmon, Jau, and Gil Vicente streets, and situated between Calçada de Santo Amaro and Calçada da Tapada. Its central position in the Alcântara area makes it a landmark for the local community.

A Green Corner in the City

Inaugurated in the mid-1950s, this public garden offers a total area of approximately 6,000 square meters, of which about 2,400 are dedicated to green spaces. Its design on an inclined plane, with terraces, gives it a particular visual dynamism. The abundance of trees provides a fresh and inviting environment, ideal for a moment of pause from the city's hustle and bustle.

Memories and Names

The garden owes its name to Félix da Silva Avelar, a notable 18th-century Portuguese botanist, who became known by the surname "Brotero". Inside the garden, there is also a bronze bust, set on a stone pedestal, honoring the Count of Sabugosa, António Maria José de Melo César e Meneses, a prominent figure in Portuguese literature of the 19th and 20th centuries. This duality of tributes adds a layer of cultural interest to the space. The garden's landscape project had the contribution of architects Edgar Sampaio Fontes, in 1956, and Manuel Sousa da Câmara, in 1962, revealing careful planning of the space.

Elements of Leisure and Socializing

In the center of the garden, a stone pond stands out, surrounded by benches that invite rest. The paths, some paved with asphalt, others cobbled, allow for pleasant strolls among the lawn and flowerbeds. A beautiful staircase winds through the garden's different levels, connecting the surrounding streets. In addition to the flora, it is possible to observe various species of urban birds, such as sparrows, domestic pigeons, goldfinches, and blackbirds. In the peripheral areas of the garden, there are iron tables fixed to the ground, often occupied by groups of friends sharing card games or conversations, demonstrating the convivial nature and strong sense of community that this space fosters.

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