Category: Nature > Park
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa
Situated in the eastern part of Lisbon, Parque das Nações stretches for approximately 5 kilometers along the north bank of the Tagus River. This location offers extensive views over the water and the Vasco da Gama Bridge. The area was planned with generous green spaces, accounting for about one-third of its total surface area, creating a distinct riverside environment.
The area where Parque das Nações now stands was completely transformed to host the 1998 World Exposition, dedicated to the theme "The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future". This event marked the profound redevelopment of a former industrial zone, giving rise to a new neighborhood and an exemplary leisure space for the city of Lisbon. The exhibition's theme is reflected in various elements and names present throughout the park.
Parque das Nações stands out for its contemporary architecture. Buildings such as Gare do Oriente, with its bold steel and glass structures, or the Pavilion of Portugal, known for its impressive concrete canopy that simulates a laid-down sheet of paper, are notable examples of the modern design that defines this area of the city. Other notable constructions include the Altice Arena and the Vasco da Gama Tower.
The extensive riverside promenade is one of the central features of Parque das Nações. A walkway spanning about 5 kilometers invites tranquil strolls along the Tagus. Various thematic gardens, such as the Garcia d'Orta Gardens which showcase botany from various parts of the world, and large lawns offer places to rest and enjoy the riverine landscape. It is an ideal space for outdoor activities.
Art is present in many corners of Parque das Nações, transforming it into an outdoor space for cultural discovery. Large-scale sculptures, urban art installations, such as the Iberian lynx made from recycled materials, and modern tile panels can be found during a stroll. Aquatic elements, such as fountains and 'water volcanoes', add dynamism and visual interest to the environment.
At the heart of Parque das Nações is one of Europe's largest aquariums, dedicated to the world's oceans. It allows visitors to observe a vast diversity of marine life, from different species of fish to birds and marine mammals, in an immersive experience through aquatic ecosystems.
For those interested in science and technology, the Pavilion of Knowledge offers interactive exhibitions that invite experimentation and discovery. It is a dynamic and educational museum, designed to stimulate the curiosity of visitors of all ages.
An interesting way to see Parque das Nações from another perspective is via the cable car. An aerial route along the riverside promenade offers panoramic views over the river, the bridges, and the emblematic buildings of the area.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7686316,-9.095858
Coordinates DMS: 38°46'7.1"N 09°05'45.1"W