Chaves Public Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Vila Real > Chaves > Chaves > Madalena e Samaiões

Location

The Chaves Public Garden is situated in a privileged position within the city, extending along the bank of the Tâmega River. Its central and riverside location allows for the enjoyment of a tranquil yet accessible environment. It is a space that offers a pleasant perspective on the fluidity of the river and the surrounding urban landscape, including an old bridge that is part of the local history.

Located in the area encompassing Madalena and Samaiões, the garden is harmoniously integrated into the fabric of the city, inviting moments of pause and contemplation.

Origin and Legacy

This garden has a unique history, being considered the oldest public green space in Chaves. Its existence is due to the generosity of Cândido Sotto Mayor, a Portuguese banker who, in 1897, decided to offer this land to the Municipal Council. Its official inauguration took place in 1901, marking its transition from private property to a gift dedicated to all inhabitants of Chaves and its visitors.

As a token of appreciation for this significant gesture, a bust in honor of Cândido Sotto Mayor can be seen in the garden's main avenue, perpetuating the memory of its benefactor.

A Space to Relax

With an area of approximately 1.5 hectares, the Chaves Public Garden is a vast and inviting place. It is characterized by a variety of environments, from areas with leafy trees providing shade to carefully flowered beds that offer a spectacle of color and fragrance throughout the year. Among the plant species are plane trees, cedars, magnolias, palm trees, and camellias, which enrich its landscape.

The garden is crossed by a small watercourse, over which a simple iron bridge allows passage and adds a scenic touch. There is also the traditional bandstand, a meeting point and stage for various cultural activities. For the younger ones, there is a playground, and for those who enjoy a mental challenge, chess tables are available.

Beauty and Natural Heritage

Strolling along the dirt paths of the Public Garden reveals pleasant nooks, such as the fountain with a jet that stands out in one of its areas. The garden benches, strategically placed, invite visitors to sit and appreciate the serenity of the space, with unobstructed views of the Tâmega River.

The combination of its botanical richness, landscaping elements, and its deep connection to the city's history makes this garden a place of particular interest, where natural beauty intersects with the cultural heritage of Chaves.

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