Alfredo Keil Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Santo António

Location

Situated in Praça da Alegria, in the parish of Santo António, this garden is located in the heart of Lisbon. Uniquely positioned on a gentle slope, the space establishes a visual connection between the square and the bustling Avenida da Liberdade, despite being part of a hillside. Its particular conformation offers a contained yet simultaneously open environment to the urban surroundings.

The Romantic Style

Alfredo Keil Garden, conceived in the 19th century, exhibits a romantic character, manifested in its organic layout and paths that invite a tranquil stroll. At its center, a large lake with a fountain stands out, around which sinuous flowerbeds are arranged, delimited by discreet metal railings. Benches are distributed along the paths, facing the central element, creating an intimate environment conducive to rest in the middle of the city.

Botanical Diversity

This green space is notable for its rich collection of vegetation, which includes exotic specimens and several trees classified as being of public interest, with a total of nine remarkable examples. Among the species that make up the dense arboreal canopy are plane trees, elms, hackberries, and palm trees, as well as Erythrina. The flowerbeds, covered with lawn, are punctuated by shrubs and, in particular, by clusters of roses, which add color and fragrance to the environment.

Memory and Culture

The garden owes its name to Alfredo Keil, a prominent figure in Portuguese culture, recognized as a painter, composer, and poet. Keil was the composer of the national anthem, "A Portuguesa," an achievement of great historical relevance. On the western side of the garden, a bronze bust, by sculptor Teixeira Lopes, pays homage to this illustrious citizen, perpetuating his memory in the place where, in times past, between 1809 and 1835, the old Feira da Ladra (Thieves' Market) was held.

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