Category: Nature > Garden
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Príncipe Real
Situated in the central area of Lisbon, in the neighborhood known as Príncipe Real, this green space is located at an elevated point in the city. Its position contributes to the distinct ambiance of the surrounding area, characterized by organically laid out streets and historic buildings.
The site where the garden is located today has a varied past. In the 15th century, it was known as Alto da Cotovia and, over time, was the site of various unfinished construction projects, including palaces and religious buildings. After the 1755 earthquake, it served as a military encampment site and, later, housed the Patriarchal Basilica before it was destroyed by a fire. It was only in the mid-19th century that the conception of this romantic garden began, which would be completed in 1863. The adjacent square was named Príncipe Real in 1859, in honor of the eldest son of Queen D. Maria II.
With an area of about 1.2 hectares, the garden was designed in a romantic style, influenced by the English taste of the era. The layout features winding paths and flowerbeds that develop organically. In the center, an octagonal-shaped lake with a water jet stands out. The ambiance is that of a tranquil refuge in the urban context, a place where residents and visitors can stroll, meet, and enjoy a moment of pause surrounded by nature.
The garden hosts an interesting diversity of plant species, including some notable trees. The most emblematic is an imposing Buçaco Cedar, with a canopy over 20 meters in diameter, supported by a metal structure. This cedar is one of the trees classified as being of public interest in Lisbon, due to its impressive age and size. Other notable and also classified tree species on site include an Araucaria and a Chorisia.
A less visible but historically significant feature is the large underground water reservoir located beneath the garden. Built in 1864, the Patriarcal Reservoir is a remarkable work of civil engineering, with an octagonal structure supported by 31 pillars and a considerable capacity (880 m³). This reservoir played a crucial role in supplying water to Lisbon's Baixa district and was connected to various city fountains. The waters of the lake in the center of the garden were also part of this system.
Throughout the garden, there are various sculptures and monuments that pay homage to historical and cultural figures. Among them, noteworthy are the busts dedicated to the writer and poet Antero de Quental and the journalist and writer Sousa Viterbo, as well as a medallion with the effigy of the republican journalist França Borges, whose official name was also associated with the garden. More recently, a monument in memory of victims of homophobia was installed, a sculptural piece symbolizing a closet door and recognizing the history and diversity associated with this area of the city.
At one end of the garden, in a triangular and narrower area, there is a point from which one can enjoy a partial view of the urban landscape to the east. From this spot, it is possible to glimpse a part of the city, including the Vale de São Bento and the Alto da Estrela area, offering a small panorama over this part of Lisbon.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7162998,-9.1487171
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'58.7"N 09°08'55.4"W
Weather Lisboa
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