Cartaxo Central Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Santarém > Cartaxo > Cartaxo > Cartaxo e Vale da Pinta

Location

Cartaxo Central Park is located in the heart of the town, in the urban area of Cartaxo and Vale da Pinta. This pedestrian space is centered where communication routes once intersected, having been designed to unite the areas surrounding the town hall and the old bullring. Its position in the town center makes it a landmark and easily accessible for those exploring the area.

Underlying History

The creation of Central Park revealed layers of local history. During excavations for its construction, vestiges of an ancient religious complex, the Convento do Espírito Santo (Convent of the Holy Spirit), were discovered. Founded in the early 16th century, this convent was likely built over a hospital dedicated to supporting the needy. The presence of a necropolis, with well-preserved burials, was also a significant finding, confirming the historical importance of the site.

These archaeological vestiges, which included ceramic materials from the 17th and 18th centuries, point to a rich occupation of the land long before the creation of the modern park, reflecting the extinction of religious orders in the 19th century that led to the abandonment of the convent.

An Urban Green Heart

Cartaxo Central Park embodies a significant intervention in the urban fabric, transforming and unifying what were previously distinct gardens and squares, such as Largo Vasco da Gama and Praça 15 de Dezembro. Inaugurated in 2011, this space was conceived as a large pedestrian area, providing an open and unobstructed environment in the town center.

Its modern design aims to offer visitors a place for passage and lingering, marked by its centrality and accessibility, inviting a tranquil stroll through the urban heart of Cartaxo.

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