Penha's Snail Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Penha de França

Location

The Jardim do Caracol da Penha is located in Lisbon, in the Penha de França area, at a point that connects this parish with Arroios. Situated on an urban hillside, the garden unfolds in terraces and features accesses that invite exploration of the surrounding area, with a main entrance on Rua Marques da Silva and another on Rua Cidade de Cardiff. Its elevated position offers views over the city.

A Community Project

Inaugurated in 2023, this green space is the result of a remarkable initiative by the Lisbon community. Its creation was due to strong popular participation, demonstrated through a petition and a proposal that became the most voted ever in the city's Participatory Budget. The will expressed by citizens transformed a piece of land that could have had another use into a garden, enriching the urban green heritage. The garden's name, "Caracol da Penha" (Penha Snail), pays homage to the old name of Rua Marques da Silva, where one of its accesses is located.

The Diversity of Spaces

Spanning approximately one hectare, the Jardim do Caracol da Penha is organized into three distinct levels, each with its unique features. On the upper level, visitors can find an amphitheater and a viewpoint offering wide views over Lisbon. On the intermediate level, an inviting square with benches arranged under a pergola complements a playground featuring an original snail-shaped slide, accessible to visitors of all ages. The lower level houses a woodland area, a community garden, and a small basketball court. The garden boasts hundreds of trees and thousands of plants, contributing to local biodiversity.

Environment and Surroundings

Designed as an intergenerational meeting point, the Jardim do Caracol da Penha offers a tranquil environment, ideal for leisure and relaxation. Its accessibility, facilitated by a set of ramps, allows everyone to fully enjoy its spaces. This garden represents a new "green lung" in the city, providing a pleasant place for walks and rest. It is also a prime spot to enjoy late afternoons and the sunset over Lisbon's urban landscape.

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