Water Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Porto > Porto > Porto

Location

The Parque das Águas is located in the Bonfim parish, in the city of Porto, precisely on Rua Barão de Nova Sintra. This green space is situated on the south/southeast slope of the right bank of the Douro River, integrated within the facilities of Águas do Porto, E.M. Its position offers extensive views over the surrounding landscape, including the river, its banks, the Vale de Campanhã, and the Serras do Porto.

Water and Heritage Legacy

Originally part of the historic Quinta de Vilar das Oliveiras, an estate that once boasted a dense forest area, the Parque das Águas was acquired by the Porto Municipal Council in 1927. Between the 1930s and the 1960s, this site became a repository for a vast water and artistic heritage. Many of the fountains and public fountains that once adorned Porto's public spaces were carefully relocated here, creating a unique route that testifies to the history of water supply in the city.

When exploring the Parque das Águas, it is possible to discover paths designed to reveal this valuable collection. Paths such as "Rua do Roseiral" or "Rua das Fontes" allow for a close appreciation of the uniqueness of the architectural pieces, engineering works, and artworks related to water, including old cisterns. These routes offer a unique perspective on the material and immaterial heritage linked to water management in Porto, highlighting its educational function within the context of the city's history.

Nature and Environment

With a considerable green area, the park preserves the environment of the former estate, characterized by a diverse arboreal mass, predominantly native. Thanks to its particular microclimate, the Parque das Águas hosts a variety of plant and animal species, becoming a natural refuge within the urban context. Its flora and fauna contribute to a serene environment, fostering moments of tranquility and observation.

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