Teófilo Braga Garden (Lisbon)

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Campo de Ourique

Location:

Jardim Teófilo Braga is located in Lisbon, situated in the heart of the Campo de Ourique neighborhood. This green space occupies the entire area of a city block within the characteristic urban fabric of this part of the city. The streets that delimit it contribute to its integration into the daily life of the neighborhood.

Its central position makes it an easily accessible landmark for those exploring Campo de Ourique.

Origins and Naming:

This garden is known both by its official name, Jardim Teófilo Braga, and by the popular designation of Jardim da Parada (Parade Garden). The official name pays homage to Teófilo Braga, a prominent figure in Portuguese history, who was the second President of the Republic.

The popular name, Jardim da Parada, dates back to the period when the land where the garden is located was used as a space for military parades by a barracks that existed there. At the beginning of the 21st century, the garden underwent a restructuring that updated its infrastructures and preserved elements of its cultural heritage.

Vegetation and Nature:

Jardim Teófilo Braga features a remarkable diversity of tree and plant species. Among the flora that can be observed, notable examples include common hackberry, bald cypress, sequoia, Canary Island date palm, cherry plum, silver lime, and grevillea, as well as several ginkgo trees.

Four trees within the garden are classified as being of Public Interest, highlighting their botanical value: one Sequoia sempervirens, one Taxodium distichum, and two Metrosideros excelsa, also known as Pohutukawa. The garden is also home to common urban fauna, such as mallard ducks in the lake, blackbirds, sparrows, and pigeons.

Points of Interest and Statuary:

Strolling through the garden, one encounters a set of elements that invite pause and observation. In the center, a bandstand rises, a classic element of public gardens. Nearby, there is a lake that hosts various aquatic birds.

The garden features an area dedicated to children, a playground. A distinctive feature is the "reading cabin," installed in an old telephone booth, which makes books available. Regarding statuary, the sculpture of Maria da Fonte stands out, placed in 1920 and authored by Costa Motta (uncle), evoking the female figure associated with the popular revolt of 1846. There is also a memorial honoring Professor António Augusto Ferreira de Macedo, placed in 1986 by his former students and friends.

Atmosphere and Usage:

Serving as a meeting and leisure point in the neighborhood, Jardim Teófilo Braga offers a convivial atmosphere within the urban context of Campo de Ourique. It is a place frequented by local residents for moments of rest, strolls, and social interaction. The garden's layout, with its benches and green areas, invites visitors to enjoy the outdoors and take a break from the city's routine.

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