Ladies' Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Ajuda

Location

Located in the Ajuda area of Lisbon, the Jardim das Damas (Ladies' Garden) is immediately adjacent to the north facade of the Ajuda National Palace. Its elevated position on the Ajuda hill gives it a unique urban setting, offering visitors views over the city and the Tagus River. Access to the garden is possible from Calçadas do Mirante and da Ajuda.

A Royal Heritage

This green space has a remarkable history, intimately linked to the residence of the Portuguese royal family. Designed with Baroque features, the garden was initially a private domain reserved for the court. Its creation, predating the construction of the Ajuda Palace itself, makes it a direct witness to the "Real Barraca" (Royal Barracks), the provisional wooden palace where royalty lived after the devastating 1755 earthquake. Although it faced periods of abandonment and even the threat of demolition to make way for a monumental square, the lack of funds for the definitive palace's construction allowed for its preservation, keeping alive an important part of Lisbon's royal memory. Later, it was recovered and adapted, even being considered a pioneering project in the conservation of European architectural heritage.

Layout and Distinctive Elements

With an area of approximately 0.7 hectares, the Jardim das Damas stands out for its ingenious adaptation to the sharp slope of the terrain, through a system of two platforms. Its formal, Baroque-inspired design is evident in the geometrically traced flowerbeds, carefully delineated by boxwood hedges and organized along perpendicular axes. On the upper platform, there is a circular lake with a central fountain. The transition to the lower platform is made by limestone staircases and highlighted by a small waterfall covered in rocaille. On the lower level, an oval pond, a formal boxwood garden, and alignments of magnolias and plane trees invite contemplation. The garden is further enriched by a variety of built elements, such as detailed staircases, various water features and cascades, including a fountain decorated with dolphin and gargoyle figures, and a waterfall with brick and basalt patterns.

The Viewpoint and Panoramic Views

One of the most captivating points of the Jardim das Damas is its viewpoint, a two-story pentagonal structure culminating in a terrace. This privileged observation point, located at the northwest end of the garden, offers one of the most comprehensive views of the city. From here, the gaze reaches the surrounding Ajuda area, extends over the magnificent Tagus River estuary, and glimpses the south bank, with the horizon unfolding towards Belém. It is an ideal place to appreciate the scale and beauty of Lisbon's urban and riverine landscape.

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