João Chagas Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Baixa do Porto

Location

Situated in the central area of Porto, this garden is located in Campo dos Mártires da Pátria. It is a landmark in Porto's Baixa district, surrounded by buildings of great historical and architectural importance. Adjacent to the garden are the Palace of Justice, the old Prison and Court of Appeal, and Santo António Hospital. Its proximity to the Clérigos Tower also helps position this green space in the heart of the urban area.

A Long Green History

Popularly known as Jardim da Cordoaria, this space has a history spanning centuries. Its popular designation derives from the rope-making activity that once took place here. The site, formerly Campo do Olival, transformed into an avenue as early as the 17th century, becoming one of the city's oldest public leisure spaces. The romantic garden we see today began to be designed in the mid-19th century but underwent several alterations over time, including a significant remodelling in the early 21st century that gave it its current more geometric and linear layout, while respecting the pre-existing tree structure.

A local legend haunts the memory of an old elm tree (negrilho) that stood here for centuries, known as the "Gallows Tree." Although popular tradition links it to executions, historical records suggest that the gallows were located in another part of the field at the time of the condemnations. Despite the legend, this monumental tree was a symbol of the garden until the late 20th century.

Outdoor Art and Unique Nature

The Jardim de João Chagas is not just a green refuge but also an open-air exhibition space, housing various sculptural works. Highlights include the statue dedicated to Ramalho Ortigão, by Leopoldo de Almeida, the bust of the poet António Nobre, by Tomás Costa, and the sculpture "A Flora," by António Teixeira Lopes. The garden also hosts the contemporary sculpture ensemble "Treze a rir uns dos outros" (Thirteen laughing at each other), by Juan Muñoz, and the piece "Rapto de Ganimedes" (Rape of Ganymede), by Fernandes de Sá, recently reinstalled in this space.

The natural component of the garden is equally remarkable, with a diverse and large arboreal collection. The Plane Tree Avenue is particularly impressive, with its thirty-seven plane trees classified as Public Interest Trees, notable for the characteristic shape of their trunks and canopies. Other notable trees, such as araucarias and sequoias, contribute to the botanical richness and scenic beauty of the place, providing shade and coolness. The garden also includes a lake and a bandstand, elements that invite moments of tranquility.

Atmosphere in Porto's Baixa

This garden constitutes a point of pause and social interaction within the dynamism of Porto's Baixa. Its central location makes it accessible and frequently used by those who live, work, or visit the city. It is an open space, without fences, that integrates into the urban surroundings and invites a leisurely stroll along its paths or to sit on one of its benches to observe the daily life of Porto that surrounds it. Its atmosphere combines the tranquility of a garden with the vibrancy of the city's central area.

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