Flowers Square (Lisbon)

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Mercês

Location

Praça das Flores is located in Lisbon, in the parish of Misericórdia. It is set within an urban fabric of narrow and sometimes steep streets, characteristic of this area of the city. The square is bordered by streets such as Rua Nova da Piedade, Rua da Palmeira, and Rua de São Marçal, positioning it in a central area with a unique and welcoming atmosphere.

The Fialho de Almeida Garden

In the heart of the square lies the Fialho de Almeida Garden. This green space invites you to rest, offering benches in the shade of the trees, a tranquil refuge from the city's hustle and bustle. The garden, named in 1925 in honour of the writer and physician Fialho de Almeida, was landscaped and formalised in the mid-19th century, and has since become a cherished meeting point for residents and visitors of this Lisbon area.

Past and Nomenclature

The history of Praça das Flores dates back to when it was known as "Baixa da Cotovia". For a short period in the late 18th century, it was designated "Praça Nova". The origin of the current name, "Praça das Flores", is associated with a hypothesis suggesting the existence of a former flower market on the site, a possibility supported by records of stalls in the area in the early 19th century. The landscaped layout seen today largely dates from the regulation and organisation of the space that occurred in 1863.

The Historic Fountain

Near the square, on Rua do Monte Olivete, stands an old fountain that is part of the supply network of the historic Águas Livres Aqueduct. This fountain, originally built in another location in the early 19th century, in 1805, was moved to its current position in 1838. Its presence evokes the important history of the city's water supply and complements the serene atmosphere of the area surrounding the square.

Atmosphere and Neighbourhood Character

Praça das Flores maintains a distinctly calm and pleasant atmosphere, despite being situated in an area of Lisbon that can be quite busy. It is a place where neighbourhood life is still palpable, visible in the residential buildings that surround it, some of which are adorned with traditional tiles. Small details, such as a friendly notice with a child's drawing about keeping the space clean, reflect the local community's care for this corner. This serene and welcoming environment helps the square to be seen as a particularly pleasant and genuine space within the city.

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