Palmela Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Lisboa > Cascais > Cascais e Estoril > Monte Estoril

Location

Palmela Park is strategically located at the transition between the towns of Cascais and Estoril, in the area known as Monte Estoril. Integrated into a narrow valley, this green space is shaped by the course of the Ribeira dos Boqueiros (Boqueiros Stream), a natural element that lends a serene and unique atmosphere. Its position allows for easy access, making it an integral part of the urban landscape of Cascais and Estoril.

The Origin of a Noble Space

This park has its roots in the initiative of the Dukes of Palmela, who commissioned its construction around 1870. The design and development of the garden were closely supervised by the Duchess herself, a figure with a notable interest in the plastic arts, who ensured that the space reflected her personal taste. In an era when large green spaces were valued for leisure and socializing, the park served as a venue for numerous festivities, including bazaars and Magic Lantern shows, bearing witness to the social spirit of its time.

Nature and Active Recreation

Palmela Park stands out for its natural richness, featuring dense vegetation and large trees that provide a welcoming environment. Among the most notable specimens is a Canary Island Pine, classified as an “isolated tree of public interest” due to its rarity and imposing size. The park offers a fitness trail, inviting visitors to explore its winding paths and hills, with trails that cross the stream. For those seeking a more active experience and direct contact with nature, there is an arborescent course, designed for outdoor sports and to foster environmental awareness.

Continuous Cultural Legacy

Maintaining its historical vocation as a venue for events, Palmela Park continues to be a vibrant center for cultural manifestations today. The Fernando Lopes Graça Auditorium, a space integrated into the park's landscape, is the central point for regular concerts, theater plays, and dance performances. This diverse program enriches visitors' experiences and keeps alive the tradition of the location as a meeting point and cultural entertainment hub.

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