Evora Public Park, Jardim Público de Évora

Evora Public Park is a magnificent garden, both for the diversity of vegetation and colours and for the tranquility it offers. It even invites us to romance in the various corners that exist there.

Evora Park – History

It is a space with history, connected with the past and also with architecture. In its interior we find several monuments like, among others, the remains of the Medieval Wall (14th century), D. Manuel Palace (16th century) and the Ruínas Fingidas or Fake Ruins (19th century).

Another point of interest is the 19th century bandstand, one more element of the past now connected with modernity due to the many music concerts which were held here during decades. You will surely notice it when you enter Evora Park through the gate in Rua da República or the one in Praça 1º de maio.

Coming back to the “fake ruins”, these were built using architectural materials from the ruins of several other monuments in the city, mostly remains of twinned windows in Manueline and Mudejar styles. The “ruins” are part of a tower and piece of the medieval wall and are close to D. Manuel Palace. The final product serves the Romantic and nostalgic imaginary linked to the conception of these 19th century gardens.

Above the “ruins” we can usually see a few peacocks walking around. If you are lucky, you will find them there colouring the gardens even more.

Evora Public Park was built by the municipality between 1863 and 1867. The grounds where it is located were once part of King Manuel’s royal vegetable garden and S. Francisco Convent.

The garden was conceived by the Italian architect and set designer José Cinatti, who also coordinated its archeological and gardening work. His creation is intimately connected with the Romantic ideal of past gardens and also with the use of this space as a social one, of elite reunion and the classes starting to go up the social ladder.

Evora Public Garden covers an area of about 8.2ac (3.3ha) with a vast concentration of trees, mostly species brought from other places, colourful flowerbeds and small lakes.

It has all the distinct features of other gardens of the same era, such as the “organic” drawing, the ornamental elements, the exotic vegetation and the possibility it offers to remind us of ancient times through, for example, the above mentioned “fake ruins”.

Evora Park – today

Evora Garden has an important role as well because of its connection to the adjacent small woods (where you can have a picnic) and the Children’s Playground of the city. In the latter, you can also find a playroom and the Toy Museum.

The garden is, once more, of great importance to the city of Evora not only because it contributes greatly to the quality of life of its inhabitants as a green space but also due to its contribution for the social well-being as a recreation space.

After you take a walk through the enchanting Evora UNESCO world heritage city, you might as well plan a quiet end of the day in this beautiful garden. It is a place where we feel like resting. So, head to the kiosk, have a glass of water or freshen yourself with an ice-cream and let time slowly pass. Like it always happens on the sunny Alentejo afternoons.

During your visit, don’t forget your camera! You will want to remember those moments!