Hospice Gardens

Category: Nature > Park

District: Madeira > Funchal > Funchal > Ilhéus

Location

The Hospício Gardens, officially known as the Jardim do Hospício Princesa D. Maria Amélia, are located in the Ilhéus area of Funchal city. Despite being situated next to one of the main urban roads, this green space offers a remarkable atmosphere of calm and seclusion. The garden extends over a harmonious plateau, providing a tranquil break from the city's dynamism and standing out for its central position in the Madeiran capital.

A Moving Legacy

This garden has its roots in a story of compassion and tribute. It was conceived as part of an estate acquired by D. Amélia de Leuchtenberg, Dowager Empress of Brazil and Queen of Portugal, with the purpose of building a hospital. The institution was created in memory of her daughter, Princess D. Maria Amélia, who died in Madeira from tuberculosis. Since then, and after D. Amélia's death, the stewardship of this social work passed to the Swedish crown, a legacy that endures to this day, marking the history and symbolism of the place as a symbol of Madeiran romanticism.

Traces of Elegance and Serenity

The design of the garden reflects careful attention to detail and aesthetics, even after more than 150 years. Its curvilinear paths are one of its distinctive features, paved with basalt pebbles that evoke Madeira's coastline. Even more noteworthy are the elaborate designs on the ground, formed by small, rounded limestone pebbles brought from the neighboring island of Porto Santo, which lend a unique artistic touch. At the entrance, a flight of stairs is flanked by tile panels displaying the imperial arms of Brazil and Queen Josefina of Sweden, and the top is framed by two imposing dragon trees, which welcome visitors.

The Garden and its Botanical Richness

This garden houses a vast and diverse collection of plants, some of which are notable for their impressive stature and age. Strolling through about two dozen beds with organic layouts, one can observe a great variety of tree and floral species, many over a century and a half old. Throughout the year, the exuberant flowering of various plants offers a spectacle of colors and scents, evidencing the care and dedication that have been devoted to this green space. Among the vast collection, there are trees such as enterolobiums, Indian figs, and araucarias, as well as vibrant flowers like red acacias and wisteria, contributing to the atmosphere of tranquility and natural beauty that characterizes the Hospício Gardens.

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