Palace Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Vilar

Location

Located in the Vilar area, in the city of Porto, the Palace Garden is a serene refuge and a unique perspective on the urban landscape. From its various levels and viewpoints, it is possible to contemplate expansive views over the Douro river and its mouth into the Atlantic Ocean, as well as a panoramic view over the hills and the city's silhouette.

Positioned in an elevated and central area, this garden naturally integrates into the urban fabric, but provides a sense of tranquility, inviting a relaxing break and a contemplative appreciation of the surroundings.

A Green and Romantic Heritage

Formally known as the Crystal Palace Gardens, this space was conceived in the 1860s by the German landscape architect Émile David. His original project aimed to frame the then Crystal Palace, an imposing iron and glass structure that housed the Porto International Exhibition of 1865. Although the original palace no longer exists, David's design persists, maintaining its romantic character and the layout intended for leisure and contemplation.

Fundamental elements of the initial design, such as the Émile David Garden itself near the main entrance, the remarkable Lime Tree and Plane Tree Avenues, and the design of balconies with privileged views over the river, continue to define the identity of this space. A significant part of Porto's history and landscape art is thus preserved in these paths and green corners.

Botanical Diversity and Its Paths

Walking through the gardens is to discover a rich botanical tapestry, with different thematic environments and a remarkable variety of species. Here you can find the Aromatic Plants Garden and the Medicinal Plants Garden, which invite a sensory exploration, up to the Twin Cities Garden and the Garden of Feelings, the latter adorned with the expressive sculpture Pain, by Teixeira Lopes.

Among the many arboreal species, majestic specimens stand out, such as the Virginia Tulip Tree, the Magnolia grandiflora, and various lime trees and camellias. The garden is home to large and valuable trees, including some classified and others in the process of classification, such as certain robust palm trees and metrosideros, which lend a distinct atmosphere to the space.

Spaces for Contemplation and Memory

At the heart of this green space is the Rosa Mota Pavilion, a contemporary structure with its distinctive dome-shaped architecture, which today occupies the site of the former Crystal Palace. It is a visual landmark of the gardens and the city, designed to host large events. Near this structure, and along the Lime Tree Avenue, stands the Chapel of Charles Albert of Sardinia, a historic building with a history linked to royalty and the memory of a king.

In addition to these built elements, the garden offers multiple strategic observation points. In these locations, it is possible to pause and appreciate the breadth of views over the Douro, Porto's urban silhouette, and its coastline, providing an inspiring setting for contemplation and photography.

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