Solar dos Zagallos Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Setúbal > Almada > Almada > Vale Linhoso

Location

The Jardim do Solar dos Zagallos is located in the Vale Linhoso area, in the town of Almada, part of the municipality of Almada. Situated on the south bank of the Tagus River, this green space offers a serene contrast to the urban surroundings, being an accessible and tranquil point of interest.

A Legacy Through Time

This centuries-old garden has its roots in the construction of the Solar dos Zagallos, a property dating back to the 17th century. Originally, it was a leisure space associated with a nobleman's summer house, designed to provide a milder and more pleasant summer. Over the centuries, the property and its gardens evolved, undergoing various transformations until they became a heritage accessible to the public, preserving their identity and historical value.

The Diversity of the Gardens

Walking through the Jardim do Solar dos Zagallos is to discover a harmonious fusion of landscape styles. One observes the influence of the ordered geometry of French gardens and the apparent naturalness of English styles. Large trees, many of them centuries old, provide shade and an intimate atmosphere, inviting tranquility. Water tanks with fountains, inviting benches, and avenues on different levels create a sense of spaciousness, making the journey a continuous discovery experience.

Artistic Details and Natural Scents

The garden is enriched by elements that tell its history and beauty. Inside, one discovers a small chapel, dedicated to the Lord of Steps (Senhor dos Passos), notable for its blue and white tile panels. Further on, one finds the peculiar Casa da Água (House of Water), an octagonal building once responsible for collecting water from a nearby mine. Next to it, the Chapel of Santo António do Caiado surprises with its ceiling of embrechados, a unique decorative covering made with shells, faience fragments, and glass. Additionally, the sweet and distinct scent of an orange grove perfumes the air, evoking the richness of its origin and the exuberance of this place.

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