City Park of Porto

Category: Nature > Park

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Castelo do Queijo

Location

Porto's Parque da Cidade (City Park) is located in the western part of the city, in the area known as Castelo do Queijo. One of its most unique features is how it extends, directly reaching the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. This connection allows for a fluid transition between the park's green environment and the seafront, creating a setting where urban nature merges with the maritime landscape.

Size and Atmosphere

With an area of 83 hectares, Parque da Cidade holds the title of the largest urban park in the country. Its vast size offers a space of remarkable expansiveness, where one can feel a true sense of freedom and a detachment from urban hustle and bustle, which is unusual for parks integrated into a city's fabric.

Landscape Design

The park's project, designed by landscape architect Sidónio Pardal, was inaugurated in different phases, with the first opening in 1993 and the completion of its connection to the sea in 2002. Its design incorporates elements of a rural and rustic landscape, notably featuring the expressive use of stone, careful terrain modeling, and the creation of an extensive network of paths totaling approximately 10 to 11 kilometers. This design allows visitors, while exploring the park, to discover distinct corners and experience an environment that makes one forget the proximity of a densely populated area.

Nature and Biodiversity

Parque da Cidade is a varied ecosystem, housing a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Inside, there are several lakes that serve as habitat for aquatic birds, and it's possible to observe various species such as toads, frogs, reptiles, geese, and swans. The botanical component is equally notable, with the presence of over 74 tree species that contribute to the shade and the green atmosphere of the space. Recently, a specific area, the Camelia Site, was created, dedicated to planting a wide variety of specimens of this flower.

Legacy and Recognition

The importance and quality of Parque da Cidade were formally recognized in 2000, when the Order of Engineers classified it as one of the "100 most notable public works of the 20th century in Portugal". This distinction highlights the relevance of its concept and execution, solidifying the park as an example of excellence in urbanism and landscape architecture at a national level.

The Water Pavilion

One of the notable elements inside the park is the Water Pavilion. This structure, originally part of Expo '98, was transferred to Porto and reopened its doors to the public in the park in 2002. The building, which appears to float in the air due to its design, offers a space where one can participate in playful-scientific experiences. Its main focus is to disseminate the importance of water resources, providing an opportunity to explore the science of water in an interactive way.

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