Walk of Virtues

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Centro Histórico

Location

Passeio das Virtudes is located in the heart of Porto's Historic Centre, in an elevated area that offers a wide and unobstructed view over the city. It is situated on Rua de Azevedo de Albuquerque, serving as a kind of natural balcony overlooking the Miragaia area and the valley leading to the Douro River. Its position allows for observation of the city's houses and the meandering river down to its mouth.

A Historical and Natural Legacy

This space, currently a public garden with romantic characteristics, has roots in the 18th century. The area where it now stands was once part of the Companhia Hortícola Portuense (Porto Horticultural Company), and its original landscape design is attributed to gardener José Marques Loureiro. Over the years, Passeio das Virtudes underwent significant interventions, notably the construction of its robust retaining wall in 1786, a work designed to stabilize the hillside, which contributes to its characteristic terraced morphology.

One of the particularities of this location is the presence of a remarkable Ginkgo Biloba L. tree, originating from China, approximately 35 meters tall and estimated to be from the 18th century. This tree is classified as being of public interest, standing out as a significant element of Porto's green landscape.

The View over the Douro

Passeio das Virtudes is renowned for its scenic perspective over the Douro River. From this elevated point, it is possible to contemplate the Porto Customs House (Alfândega do Porto), the banks of Vila Nova de Gaia with its cellars, and the vastness of the Douro. It is a place that invites landscape observation, whether during the day, when the light highlights urban and fluvial contours, or in the late afternoon, when the sunset paints the horizon with vibrant colours over the river.

Atmosphere and Enjoyment

With a triangular layout, Passeio das Virtudes comprises a large grassy flowerbed, inviting relaxation. Along its perimeter, a continuous line of tall plane trees offers shade and a peaceful atmosphere. This green space, complemented by granite slab and gravel paths, as well as granite benches for resting, provides a relaxing environment, ideal for a break, a read, or simply to enjoy the calm that the location offers amidst the city.

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