Siege Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Mafra > Mafra > Centro

Location

The Cerco Garden is located in the heart of Mafra, bordering the imposing National Palace of Mafra. Its central position in the town offers a natural transition between the monumentality of the Palace and the vast landscape of the Tapada Real, inviting an integrated exploration of the region's heritage.

A Baroque Garden with History

Developed in the 18th century by order of D. João V, the Cerco Garden is a fascinating example of the Baroque style, where royal grandeur meets landscape art. Its detailed conception, with water mirrors and wide paths, evokes the inspiration of the great European gardens of the era. Since 2019, the Cerco Garden has been part of the Royal Building of Mafra complex, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, underscoring its historical and cultural value.

Walks Among Water and Trees

Spanning approximately eight hectares, this garden invites serene walks along its wide paths and lush tree areas. Here, one can discover water mirrors that reflect the sky, small waterfalls, and a remarkable centenary water wheel, which is still in operation today, bearing witness to the ingenuity of the original irrigation system. The abundance of leafy trees provides pleasant shade, inviting a relaxing break in various nooks.

The Vegetable Garden and Botanical Heritage

Beyond its landscape beauty, the Cerco Garden preserves a strong connection to its conventual origin through its cultivation spaces. Particularly noteworthy is the Friars' Vegetable Garden, a peculiar area where plants for medicinal purposes were cultivated, linked to the convent's old pharmacy. Additionally, the Aromatic Herb Garden features a collection of approximately 39 species of plants with medicinal and culinary properties, offering an interesting perspective on the use of nature throughout history.

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