Category: Nature > Garden
District: Viseu > Viseu > Viseu > Bairro Dona Maria do Céu Mendes
Santa Cristina Garden is located in the city center of Viseu, in Largo Alves Martins, integrated into the Dona Maria do Céu Mendes neighborhood. Its position south of the ruins of the ancient Roman wall gives it an interesting historical setting, being easily reachable on foot from various points in the city. Its proximity to the Major Seminary of Viseu makes it a discreet and inviting landmark for those exploring the city.
This green space, which has become one of Viseu's most beloved public gardens, was created on the initiative of Captain Almeida Moreira, an instrumental figure in the conception and development of the city's gardens in the early decades of the 20th century. Its name, Santa Cristina Garden, is a tribute to the medieval hermitage with the same patron saint that once occupied this site, connecting it to a distant past and a cultural dimension of the city.
The garden is characterized by its botanical richness and meticulous arrangement. Walking along the cobbled paths, one observes flowerbeds outlined by boxwood and punctuated by rose bushes, which add color and aroma to the space. The lawns invite relaxation, while various tree species such as magnolias, cedars, firs, lagerstroemias, horse-chests, lime trees, and imposing palm trees offer shade and a varied landscape throughout the different seasons.
In Santa Cristina Garden, elements that tell stories can be found. A large bronze statue, authored by sculptor Teixeira Lopes, pays homage to Bishop D. António Alves Martins, a prominent figure whose memory is intrinsically linked to the site. At the western end of the garden, two historical fountains can be discovered: the Fonte Nova (New Fountain), in 18th-century style, and the Fonte de Santa Cristina (Santa Cristina Fountain), built in 1526, adding a touch of antiquity and serenity to the environment.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.656682745, -7.909776675
Coordinates DMS: 40°39'24.1"N 07°54'35.2"W
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