Gardens of Nova Sintra

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Nova Sintra

Location

The location of these gardens, in the Nova Sintra area of Porto, grants them a privileged perspective over the Douro River. From certain areas, it is possible to enjoy a stunning view of the riverside landscape, extending to the opposite bank in Vila Nova de Gaia. This green haven offers a serene and calm atmosphere, a refuge from the urban pace, without losing its integration into the city.

History of an Estate

The Gardens of Nova Sintra emerge from a rich history, beginning as a private estate with centuries of existence. Among its former owners were the family of José Joaquim Leite Guimarães, who attributed to it the name Baron of Nova Sintra, and other entities, such as a soap factory or a ceramic company. Its destiny significantly changed in 1932, when the Municipality of Porto acquired it to install the headquarters of Porto Water Services there, integrating this vast green space into the city's public heritage.

The Legacy of Water

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Gardens of Nova Sintra lies in their remarkable collection of historic fountains and public spouts. This space functions as an authentic open-air museum, where urban art pieces that once adorned the streets and squares of Porto can be observed. Dating from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, these fountains were carefully collected and reinstalled here, safeguarding an important legacy of the city's water supply history and its urban aesthetics.

A Green and Romantic Refuge

The extent of these gardens, with their approximately seven hectares, offers a diverse landscape experience. Walkers find a harmonious combination of formal flowerbeds, carefully designed, and denser areas of romantic woodland, populated by a rich botanical diversity. Among magnolias, camellias, and century-old tree specimens, some originating from distant places, the environment invites leisurely strolls and moments of tranquility, far from the city bustle, in a setting of rare natural beauty.

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