Olavo Bilac Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Ceuta Sul

Location

The Olavo Bilac Garden is located in Largo das Necessidades, situated in the Estrela area, in Lisbon. It is positioned on one of the city's hills, directly opposite the entrance to the chapel of the Necessidades Palace.

From this spot, one obtains a wide view over the Alcântara area, the Tagus River, and the 25 de Abril Bridge, offering a remarkable panorama that many appreciate while resting on the benches facing the landscape.

Historical Origins

This garden, popularly known as Jardim do Largo das Necessidades, has its roots in the 18th century. In 1747, an ornamental lake was built on the site, by order of King D. João V, as a vow to the Virgin Mary.

Later, this lake was transformed and adapted, eventually serving for public water supply in the area. The current configuration of the garden, with its flowerbeds and pathways, was developed in the mid-20th century, integrating the historical element of the old lake into its design.

The Necessidades Fountain

In the center of the garden stands the imposing Necessidades Fountain, an element of great architectural value. Built from limestone, it features an unusual shape, with a curved-profile basin and a quadrilobate (four-lobed) plan.

In the center of the fountain, an obelisk rises, decorated at the top with bronze elements, including inverted acanthus leaves, a star (Marian symbol), and a Latin cross. Water spouts from gargoyle-shaped nozzles (grotesque faces) set into scallop shells, a detail resulting from later reforms to the original design, which initially featured dolphin-shaped spouts.

A Green and Classified Space

The Olavo Bilac Garden is a green space that invites rest and contemplation. It features several grassy flowerbeds, paths bordered by hedges, and medium-sized trees, some of which are palm trees, creating pleasant shaded areas.

This garden is officially recognized for its value, having been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1983. Its name pays tribute to Olavo Brás Martins dos Guimarães Bilac, a notable Brazilian writer and poet.

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