Passal House Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Viseu > Carregal do Sal > Cabanas de Viriato

Location

The Garden of Casa do Passal is located in the peaceful village of Cabanas de Viriato, a parish belonging to the municipality of Carregal do Sal. It is an extension of the imposing Casa do Passal, which was the residence of Aristides de Sousa Mendes. Its position in the village, surrounded by an atmosphere of serenity, invites a calm and contemplative visit, set within the rural landscape of the Viseu region.

Memory and Historical Legacy

This garden represents more than just a green space; it is a place that pays homage to and evokes the memory of Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the illustrious consul who resided at Casa do Passal. Although time had led to the loss of the original flora, the requalification project aimed to recreate the atmosphere and species that the garden would have had at the time the consul lived there, seeking to be a reflection of his personal and professional history.

The garden, as an integral part of the property classified as a National Monument, complements the narrative of the house, offering a path that allows visitors to connect with Aristides de Sousa Mendes's legacy in a tangible and sensitive way.

The Botanical Richness of a Life

With an area of about two hectares, the garden was designed to host hundreds of plant species. Its uniqueness lies in the intention to replant species that Aristides de Sousa Mendes is believed to have brought from the various cities where he worked throughout his diplomatic career. For example, the planting of a Rosa Alcária is planned, similar to one the consul is believed to have brought from Curitiba, Brazil, a city where this flower is typical.

This botanical reconstitution effort is the result of international collaborations, which help ensure the garden is as authentic as possible to the period when Aristides de Sousa Mendes resided there. It is an opportunity to discover a diverse collection of plants with historical and geographical significance.

A Space for Enjoyment and Culture

The Garden of Casa do Passal was conceived as a public space for enjoyment, inviting contemplation and leisure. Beyond its historical and botanical value, the garden aspires to have its own dynamic cultural life. It includes infrastructure for events, such as an amphitheater and supporting dressing rooms, suggesting that the space can host concerts and other cultural initiatives.

It is, therefore, an invitation to stroll and enjoy the natural beauty, while absorbing the history of a remarkable man, in an environment intended for continuous revitalization and permanent homage.

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