The oldest garden in Porto

The Marques de Oliveira’s Garden, also known as the garden of São Lázaro, was inaugurated in 1834. It is located on Passeio de S. Lázaro, where the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Porto and the Municipal Library are placed.

Marques de Oliveira garden

At the beginning of the 18th century, this area was already called São Lázaro, for there was a medieval hospital, called leprosy’s hospital or house of the lazarus. The first garden of Porto until 1833 was the site of a fair.

São Lázaro's Lake

Throughout time, the garden was changed by several artists, for example, Emílio David made a landscaping intervention in 1969. The garden has several sculptures, among them, the work of Soares dos Reis which is the statue of Marques de Oliveira. The bandstand founded in 1833 presents itself as one of the most valuable sculptures in the country. The Baroque facade of the former convent of St. Lazarus can be found on the south side of the garden (by Nicolau Nasoni) and at the north side there is a marble fountain.

Statue Marques de Oliveira - By Soares dos Reis

Marques de Oliveira 

The garden of São Lázaro is the oldest garden in Porto and is reflected by its romantic sensations. It is composed by a railing, with four entrances in each corner, that produce diagonal lines for its center, where the lake is located. The center of the garden is characterized by the lake which is surrounded by twelve imposing magnolias (magnolia grandiflora), currently it also has the Iris Hollandica species. Some of the trees that make up this magnificent space are some of the oldest in the city. To the west and to the north, the flowerbeds are characterized by the numerous camellias and some cedars. You can also find linden trees in the outlying malls of the garden.

Iris Hollandica

Currently, the garden of São Lázaro is more frequented by groups of gentlemen for a daily living. It is a place steeped in history and magic and who enters the garden is surprised by its surroundings. The most romantic garden of the city is the most requested on the hottest days, for being fresh and quiet. Finally, this space is free access and has opening hours, from 9am to 7pm.

Written by: Marta Santos

Translated by: Francisca Rehbein

Photos by: Marta Santos