Arnaldo Gama Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Centro Histórico

Location

This small garden is located in the heart of Porto's Historic Centre, a vibrant area rich in history. It is situated in Largo de São Domingos, a welcoming square flanked by buildings that breathe the essence of the old city. Its central position offers a privileged vantage point over Porto's traditional urban environment, framed by the architecture that characterizes this historic area.

A Corner for Pause

Jardim Arnaldo Gama constitutes a corner of tranquility amidst Porto's hustle and bustle. It is an inviting place for a pause, allowing visitors to appreciate the surrounding atmosphere and observe the city's daily life. The serene environment, punctuated by the presence of vegetation, invites reflection and a moment of quietude during a discovery of the city of Porto.

A Tribute to a Writer

In this garden stands a statue dedicated to Arnaldo Gama, a notable novelist and journalist born in Porto in 1828. His literary work marked the Romantic period in Portugal, distinguishing itself through its approach to social themes and historical events. He is particularly known for his vivid description of Porto during the Siege of 1833, present in his work "O Filho do Baldaque", making him a figure linked to the city's history.

The Statue and its Creator

The bronze statue, inaugurated in 1903, depicts Arnaldo Gama in a pensive manner, seated, with his characteristic hat and a book or manuscript in his hands. Resting on a granite pedestal, the sculpture is the work of Tomás Costa, a renowned artist also with roots in Porto, whose works are scattered throughout the city. His creation here captures not only Gama's physical resemblance but also his intellectual spirit, making it a point of interest for those who appreciate sculptural art and literary history.

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