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Jardim da Cordoaria
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João Chagas' Garden, also known as Cordoaria's Garden, is located in Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, in the city of Oporto. This garden is full of history and anyone who passes by it does not feel indifferent, because of its composition and its fascination.
In addition to all the wealth that Jardim João Chagas awakens, what surrounds it makes this area of the city even more special, such as the Clérigos Tower, the Portuguese Photography Center, the Rectory of the University of Porto, the Santo António Hospital and also the Court of Appeal of Porto.
The name Cordoaria comes from the fact that the “cordoeiros” settled in this place for its activity, during 200 years, in the middle age, was denominated "Field of the Olival" where "Cordoaria do Bispo" was located the . In the 19th century, the Porto Chamber decided to transform Cordoaria Square into a public walk. In 1865, Visconde de Villar d'Allen founded the garden, with a German landscape design by Emile David. Later, the Jardim de João Chagas was the target of an architectural intervention by Camilo Cortesão. In 1941, a violent cyclone devastated the garden and this area was requalified by the architect landscapist João Nunes. This work stands out in Alameda dos Plátanos and a set of araucaria bidwillii, resulting in an unique area of the city of Porto, to relax or read a good book.
Cordoaria's Garden is known and admired by the art that composes it. Among numerous sculptures is the statue of the poet "António Nobre", covered in bronze, developed by Tomás Costa and inaugurated in 1927. "The Flora" covered with bronze, set in stone, is a tribute to the horticultor José Marques Loureiro. A work of António Teixeira Lopes and dated to 1904. "The Rapture of Ganymede", also made of bronze, represents a naked young man under the back of an eagle. It is a work of Fernandes de Sá, inaugurated in 1916.
The statue of "Ramalho Ortigão", made in lioz stone, based on a granite pedestal and with a striking facial expression. A work of Leopoldo de Almeida and inaugurated to 1954.
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Estátua de Ramalho Ortigão
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The work "Thirteen laughs at each other", consisting of four benches, from which spread the thirteen human figures is a work of Juan Muñoz, installed in 2001, the year in which the city was the European Capital of Culture. They are bronze sculptures, approximated to reality having a natural size. And "Coreto da Cordoaria", which was the stage of spectacles and the main cultural point of the city to spend some time in Oporto.
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Visão panorâmica - Coreto
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João Chagas' Garden has a triangular shape, in which each side is characterized by the alignment of deciduous trees. In front of the Palace of Justice, you will find alameda dos plátanos.
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Alameda de Plátanos
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To the south the walk of the lindens and to the north the American oaks and in the middle of the garden there is a lake, described as a romantic one.
Since 2005, this garden has held trees of public interest. The plantains that make up the garden avenue were planted in 1868. Araucaria bidwillii, the largest trees in the garden and the largest in Portugal, were also planted in 1868. Another type of tree that marks this garden is Sequoia, which was planted in 1867.
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| Araucária |
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| Sequóia |
Throughout the year this garden adopts several facets, with regards to its colors and contrasts. The different seasons of the year make this place unique, but with the arrival of spring, Cordoaria's Garden gains a new life, making it a point of reference in the city of Porto.
Written by: Marta Santos
Photos: Lucas Ervedosa e Marta Santos
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