Liège Square Gardens

Category: Nature > Park

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Foz do Douro

Location

The Gardens of Praça de Liège are located in Foz do Douro, a coastal area with a consolidated urban environment in the city of Porto. Its position naturally integrates it into the parish's urban fabric, offering a point of tranquility and observation in the local scenery, close to the coastline.

Tribute and Historical Symbolism

This square, and consequently its gardens, was named Liège in tribute to the Belgian city. The choice of name refers to the courage and heroic resistance demonstrated by its inhabitants against the German invaders, in a period prior to 1914. This detail gives the place a relevant historical and symbolic meaning, celebrating values of resilience and bravery.

Design and Nature

The gardens are characterized by a geometric and balanced layout, evident in both their plan and the arrangement of vegetation. Two imposing alignments of Platanus x acerifolia stand out, defining the main structure of the space. The presence of species such as Araucaria heterophylla and Casuarina equisetifolia underscores the gardens' proximity to the Foz do Douro seafront, giving them a distinctive touch.

At the center, a vast gravel area is punctuated by a stone shell with fountains, an element that invites lingering and contemplation. Flanking this central area are two grass semicircles, adorned with annual flowerbeds and framed by wooden pergolas. In the lateral grassy areas, a diversity of shrubs completes the botanical landscape, contributing to the environmental richness of the gardens.

Atmosphere and Experience

With its contemporary garden typology, this space offers a refuge of serenity and natural beauty. It is an inviting place for a peaceful stroll, providing a calm environment for those seeking a break from the city's pace. Its open to the public design and ease of access, including the possibility of visits for people with reduced mobility, make it an accessible and pleasant point of interest in Foz do Douro.

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