São Bento Palace Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Lapa

Location

The Garden of São Bento Palace is located in the Lapa area of Lisbon, a zone marked by its history and the presence of institutional buildings. This unique green space is integrated into the São Bento Mansion, which serves as the official residence of the Prime Minister of Portugal, and is situated behind the main building of the Portuguese Parliament.

Its position offers an interesting contrast: an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty nestled in the heart of one of the capital's most emblematic areas, providing a serene and discreet environment, far from the city's hustle and bustle, yet at the center of its political life.

A Historical and Natural Legacy

With approximately two hectares in area, this garden is a living testament to Lisbon's landscape and architectural evolution. Its creation, begun in 1937, coincided with the acquisition of the São Bento Mansion by the Portuguese State, transforming it into the official residence of the head of government.

The garden's original design had the contribution of landscape architect Jacinto de Matos, known for other important projects in Portugal. Due to its unquestionable importance, the garden is classified as Built and Landscape Heritage by the Lisbon Municipal Master Plan, a recognition of its architectural, cultural, artistic, and botanical relevance.

Botanical and Artistic Diversity

The Garden of São Bento Palace is an invitation to discovery, with a remarkable botanical diversity that includes over a thousand trees, distributed among approximately eighty-nine different species. Among the exuberant foliage, jacaranda avenues, the presence of cycads, dragon trees, and imposing palm trees stand out, delineating paths and creating distinct environments.

In addition to its natural richness, the garden is punctuated by valuable decorative and sculptural elements. A rectangular tank ornamented with dolphins in Estremoz marble, a work by sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida, with his piece "Meditation" dated 1939, offers a point of contemplation. The space also features a three-dimensional tile panel titled "Aqui Agora" (Here Now), by Lourdes Castro, inaugurated in 2019, and other contemporary artworks that enrich the visitor's path.

A Refuge for Contemplation

Walking the paths of this garden is an experience that combines natural beauty with cultural interest. The harmony of different plant species, the presence of a wooded area and a romantic garden invite tranquility and observation. The calçada de vidraço (glass pavement), in shades of white, black, and pink granite, delineates the paths, complementing the aesthetic of the space.

The Garden of São Bento Palace constitutes a remarkable example of how nature and art intertwine to create an environment of peace and inspiration, a preserved haven that offers a unique perspective on Lisbon's history and urban landscape.

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