JARDIM DO PALÁCIO DE CRISTAL
Designed in the 19th centuryby the German landscape architect Émile David, this well-loved green space, with its tree-lined paths, tranquil ponds, exotic flora and patchwork of small, landscaped gardens are the perfect escape from city life, while terraced gardens, carved into the hillside, offer some of the best views in the city. The original iron-and-glass Palácio de Cristal – based on London’s Crystal Palace – was built for the 1865 International Exhibition. It was replaced by the current pavilion in the 1950s.
Jardim do Palácio de Cristal
NEED TO KNOW
Rua Dom Manuel II • 225 320 080
Gardens: Rua Dom Manuel II; open daily; 8am–9pm Apr–Sep (to 7pm Oct–Mar)
Municipal Gallery: Rua Dom Manuel II; open 10am–6pm Tue–Sat, 2–6pm Sun; closed Mon and public holidays
Museo Romântico: Rua de Entre-Quintas 220; open 10am–5:30pm Mon–Sat, 10am–12:30pm & 2–5pm Sun; closed Mon and public holidays; adm €2.50 (free at weekends)
- Picnics are permitted; but be considerate and dispose of any rubbish responsibly.
- For simple, honest Portuguese food try the nearby Restaurante O Caseirinho down by the river’s edge. From here, you can enjoy great views of the Ponte da Arrábida.
1. Municipal Gallery
The large building near the main entrance hosts contemporary art exhibitions, workshops and events. There is also a library and a café here.
2. Carlos Alberto Chapel
This chapel is dedicated to the King of Piedmont and Sardinia who died in exile in Porto. After his death in 1848, his sister had this chapel built in his honour.
The beautiful façade of the Carlos Alberto Chapel
3. Avenida das Tílias
Stretching from the Municipal Gallery to the Carlos Alberto Chapel, the park’s main avenue is a great orientation point. The benches along the middle are an inviting spot to rest weary legs.
4. Quatro Estações
The “Four Seasons” is a well-manicured round garden with fountains near the main pavilion. It features a statue for each season: Primavera, Verão, Outono and Inverno (spring, summer, autumn and winter).
5. Gardens
Tumbling down the terraced slopes are myriad different themed gardens. From sculpture gardens to tree-lined avenues, there are many great spots to have a picnic and admire the wonderful views.
The verdant garden at the Jardim do Palácio de Cristal
6. Pavilhão Rosa Mota
Named after the Olympic marathon runner, the Pavilhão Rosa Mota replaced the original iron-and-glass Palácio de Cristal. Over the years it has hosted many important sporting events and concerts.
The iron-and-glass dome at the Palácio de Cristal
7. Casa do Roseiral
This yellow building overlooking the river is the official residence of the mayors of Porto. Today, however, it is only used for events.
Casa do Roseiral
8. Museu Romântico
The Quinta da Macieirinha was the summer house of port wine baron António Ferreira Pinto Basto. The building is now home to the Museu Romântico, which displays period furniture and artifacts.
9. Concha Acústica
For the majority of the year the bandstand’s Art Nouveau structure resembles an empty shell, but in the summer it bursts into life as the location for classical concerts and live music.
10. Miradouros
There are many marked lookout points to take in the stunning vistas towards Vila Nova de Gaia. Particularly high vantage points on the south side reveal breath-taking river views of the Ponte da Arrábida and Foz do Douro.
Miradouros
