Garden of the Centenarians

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Viana do Castelo > Arcos de Valdevez > Arcos de Valdevez > Faquelo

Location

The Centenários Garden is located in the Faquelo area, right in the center of the town of Arcos de Valdevez. Its central position allows visitors to have a perspective of the roofs of Valeta, the river beach, and the Lamela area, offering a setting that reflects the essence of the village.

This space is flanked by historical and religious buildings, such as the Matriz and Espírito Santo churches, giving it an atmosphere of centrality and heritage. Its location facilitates access to a significant part of the urban and cultural environment of Arcos de Valdevez.

A Space with History

The Centenários Garden, formerly known as the Garden of the Great War Combatants until 1940, has a name that evokes significant moments in Portugal's history. Its current designation celebrates the centenary commemorations of the foundation of Portugal, which occurred in 1140, and the restoration of independence, dated 1640. This site hosted, for several decades, the commemorative standard of the Recontro de Valdevez, underscoring its deep connection to regional historical events.

Elements of Character and Art

Inside the Centenários Garden, one can observe the "Pelourinho das Crianças" (Children's Pillory), a piece that integrates tiles created by children from the municipality's kindergartens, as part of a municipal project. This initiative was linked to the 500th-anniversary commemorations of the Foral of Valdevez, adding a touch of contemporary and community art to the garden's historical ambiance.

Adjacent to the garden, the Casa do Terreiro stands out, a former manor house that today houses the Casa das Artes and the Municipal Library. This property, classified as being of Public Interest, enriches the garden's architectural context, showing its integration into an urban fabric with a valuable historical and cultural legacy.

An Ambiance of Repose

The Centenários Garden is recognized as a place that invites tranquility and rest. Its design offers an ideal space for a break from exploring the village, allowing visitors to enjoy a serene environment conducive to contemplation. The vegetation and the garden's layout create a refuge for those seeking a moment of calm in the center of Arcos de Valdevez.

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