Estrela Gardens
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Estrela Gardens (Jardim da Estrela)

Found in the heart of Lisbon, the Jardim da Estrela offers a tranquil escape from the city's vibrant streets. This enchanting garden, dating back to the 19th century, beckons visitors with its lush greenery, winding pathways, and picturesque landscapes. Originally designed as a private garden for the nearby Estrela Basilica, it has since become a beloved public park, attracting tourists and locals alike.

Strolling through the Jardim da Estrela, visitors are greeted by a diverse array of flora, including towering palm trees, colourful flower beds, and fragrant rose gardens. The central lake, adorned with elegant swan-shaped paddle boats, adds to the park's romantic ambience, while the shaded benches provide the perfect spot for relaxation and reflection.

For families, the park offers a playground and ample space for picnics and outdoor activities. Cultural events and concerts are also held here throughout the year, adding to the park's lively atmosphere.

Conveniently located near the Estrela Basilica and other popular attractions, the Jardim da Estrela is a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Lisbon's bustling metropolis.

About the Estrela Gardens

Guardadora de Patos

Guardadora de Patos - Estrela Gardens

Explore the sprawling beauty of the Estrela Gardens, spanning over four hectares and welcoming visitors daily from 07h00 to midnight. Immerse yourself in meticulously landscaped greenery, adorned with exotic plants, vibrant flower beds, and a serene lake teeming with waterfowl and carp. Families flock to its shaded alcoves and open spaces on weekends, while a charming lakeside café offers the perfect setting to savour coffee and pastries amidst the quacking ducks.

Discover the garden's enchanting features, including the Fonte da Vida (Fountain of Life) and O Cavador (The Digger) fountains, along with captivating sculptures like Costa Mota's 1913 farmer and Simões de Almeida's marble masterpiece, O Despertar. Look out for the limestone Guardadora de Patos (Keeper of the Ducks) statue, embodying a beloved children's tale character.

As you wander along canopied pathways, encounter peacocks and parakeets, adding to the park's enchanting ambience. Little ones can delight in the playground, while weekends bring a vibrant craft fair to the Estrela Gardens, offering unique souvenirs to treasure. Don't miss this oasis of tranquillity in the heart of Lisbon's bustling streets.

History

The origins of the park trace back to 1842, when Lisbon's governor, António Bernardo da Costa Cabral, recognised the city's need for a tranquil public space. However, due to wartime disruptions and financial constraints in the mid-19th century, landscaping efforts were delayed. Eventually, in 1873, the park opened to the public under the name Jardim Guerra Junqueiro, honouring the poet and politician Guerra Junqueiro, renowned for his role in the republic's establishment in 1910.

Situated near the basilica, locals affectionately referred to it as Jardim da Estrela, and this colloquial name gradually supplanted its official title. A notable feature was a resident lion housed in a cage, delighting visitors for a time. Additionally, a charming 19th-century iron bandstand, relocated to its current position in 1936, hosts summer musical performances, having originally graced Avenida da Liberdade. Today, Jardim da Estrela stands as a cherished oasis in Lisbon's urban landscape, offering respite and recreation to locals and tourists alike.

Yellow Bus Tour
Bandstand - Estrela Gardens

Bandstand - Estrela Gardens


Estrela Gardens
Contact Details
Largo da Estrela, 1200-667, Lisbon, Portugal.
38° 42' 53.9" N | 09° 09' 33.1" W

GETTING TO THE ESTRELA GARDENS

Urban train services (comboios urbanos) to Santos train station one mile South from the centre of Estrela:
• Cascais/Cais do Sodré line Timetable

Trains of Portugal Website
The nearest metro station is a 15 minute walk along the Avenida Álvares Cabra from Rato:
Website
Carris bus routes to Belém from various areas around the city: Carris Website
• 706: Cais Sodré - Estação Sta. Apolónia: Timetable
• 709: Restauradores - Campo Ourique (Prazeres): Timetable
• 713: Alameda D. A. Henriques - Estação Campolide: Timetable
• 714: Pç. Figueira - Outurela: Timetable
• 720: Picheleira, R. Dr. Faria Vasconcelos - Alto Sto. Amaro: Timetable
• 727: Estação Roma-Areeiro - Restelo, Av. Descobertas: Timetable
• 738: Qta. Barros - Alto Sto. Amaro: Timetable
• 25E: Pç. Figueira - Campo Ourique (Prazeres): Timetable
• 28E: Praça Martim Moniz - Campo Ourique (Prazeres): Timetable