Star Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Estrela

Location:

The Estrela Garden is located in the Estrela district, in the city center of Lisbon. One of its most notable entrances is situated directly in front of the monumental Estrela Basilica, in the square that shares the garden's name. Occupying a considerable area, the space is surrounded by characteristic streets of the area and is delimited by an iron railing.

Located in one of the highest parts of central Lisbon, the garden serves as a green lung in the urban fabric, offering a serene contrast to the surrounding Estrela parish.

A History with a Romantic Flavor

The conception of this public garden dates back to the mid-19th century, with its inauguration taking place in 1852. The project was influenced by the style of English gardens of the time, seeking to recreate a natural landscape through paths that adapt to the terrain's relief and green areas with organic layouts. Its creation was driven by figures from Lisbon society, with the support of Queen D. Maria II.

The garden quickly became a meeting and leisure spot, a stage for events and activities. One of its most emblematic elements, the iron bandstand, has its own history. Built in 1884, it was transferred to the garden in 1936, coming from the location where Avenida da Liberdade is today.

Nature and Biodiversity

With an area of approximately 4.6 hectares, the Estrela Garden presents a great botanical diversity. It is a place with abundant vegetation, notable for its well-maintained flowerbeds and the presence of trees of various species, including some exotic ones that were brought from different parts of the world at the time of its creation.

The lakes distributed throughout the garden are inhabited by ducks, swans, geese, and carp, which become attractions for visitors. It is also common to spot peacocks freely wandering the lawns and different types of parakeets.

Elements of Art and Leisure

In addition to its natural richness, the garden is punctuated by various works of art. There is statuary dedicated to personalities, such as the bronze sculpture of the poet João de Deus or the statue of Antero de Quental. The sculpture known as "O Cavador" is another of the artistic elements present.

The garden offers spaces dedicated to leisure and socializing, including areas with playgrounds for children and young people. The bandstand, with its green metallic structure, continues to be a landmark and a place where music and other activities can take place. There is also a building, the Casa do Jardim da Estrela (Estrela Garden House), which functions as a cultural space, housing, among other facilities, a library.

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