Campo da Barca Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Madeira > Funchal > Funchal > Zona Velha

Location

Located in Funchal's Old Town, the Jardim do Campo da Barca is situated in a central urban area. One of its geographical particularities is that it is divided by the Estrada Conde Carvalhal, creating two distinct zones. From certain points in its surroundings, interesting perspectives of the city can be had, notably visible to those riding the cable car that overlooks the area.

A Divided Urban Space

This is an urban park of modest dimensions, occupying a total area of about 3,000 m². As mentioned, it is naturally segmented into two parts by the Estrada Conde Carvalhal. The area located to the north is known as Largo Conde Canavial, while the southern section corresponds to Praça de Tenerife, each with its own distinct atmosphere within the garden complex.

An Emblematic Green Refuge

Despite its size, the garden hosts a variety of tree species that contribute to its beauty and ambiance. Here you can find specimens of coral trees, jacarandas, kapok trees, and Frangipani (Plumeria). However, the most prominent tree, considered the most symbolic of this garden, is a notable dragon tree, a species with strong ties to Madeira's botanical identity.

A Garden with History

The history of this green space dates back to 1818, when the section that today constitutes the southern part began to be landscaped. Later, in the 20th century, in 1903, the garden was expanded with the integration of the northern area, consolidating its current format and its importance as a leisure space in the city.

Resilience and Care

The Jardim do Campo da Barca demonstrated its resilience in the face of natural challenges. In 2010, it was affected by a strong storm that caused damage, particularly in the southern zone. This section was subsequently subject to recovery and improvement works, being reopened in 2012. The northern part has also received attention for future interventions aimed at improving its quality, accessibility, and enhancing its use as a space for events, reflecting the continuous care given to this urban green space.

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