Marquês de Pombal Square Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Marquês

Location

The Marquês de Pombal Square Garden is located in a central area of Porto, serving as a meeting point between the parishes of Santo Ildefonso, Bonfim, and Paranhos. Its elevated position and the convergence of important urban thoroughfares give it particular relevance within the city's fabric. In the past, this location marked one of the barriers where taxes were collected on goods entering the town, highlighting its historical role as a limit and transition point in Porto's urban expansion.

Memory and Transformation

Initially known as "Largo da Aguardente" (Brandy Square), due to the market activity that took place there, the garden was formally inaugurated in 1898. Its current name, assigned in 1882, pays homage to Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, the Marquês de Pombal, a central figure in 18th-century Portuguese governance and responsible for the reconstruction of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake. This space, which once was part of a vast estate, also played a strategic role during the Siege of Porto in 1832, by integrating the liberal defense lines, witnessing crucial moments in the city's history.

Atmosphere and Garden Elements

The garden features a layout reminiscent of the romantic style, characterized by its generous tree coverage, offering shade and coolness, especially on warmer days. One of its distinctive elements is its iron bandstand, which remains as a vestige of its creation in the late 19th century. The space is enhanced by two basins with water features, contributing to the tranquil atmosphere of the place. More recently, the "Fonte da Confidente" (Confidante Fountain) was installed here, a piece that, although having a history in another city square, found a new setting in Marquês, inviting contemplation and relaxation. It is a place sought after by residents for socializing and leisure, such as traditional games of sueca and dominoes.

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