Discovering Porto's Jardines del Palacio de Cristal
Produced in Collaboration with WOW The New Cultural Center
Photography & Words by Alison Engstrom
For garden lovers the world over, scoping out botanical gardens around the globe is a favorite pastime. Another one to add to your list is the picturesque Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, which sits atop a steep hill overlooking the Douro River in Porto. Breezy lanes shaded by age-old gingko and beech trees, manicured gardens, trickling fountains, reflecting pools, statues, roaming chickens, and vocal peacocks are a few highlights worth making the trip. The name stems from the original Crystal Palace that once existed in the garden, however, it was torn down and replaced by a small arena where local events occur. On your visit, stroll through the various gardens including the Garden of Aromatic Plants, the Garden of Feelings, and the Medicinal Garden.
Above The mesmerizing stone paths in The Garden of Feelings.
Left A friendly peacock roams around the formal garden; Right Shady lanes perfect for strolling.
Above Views over the rose garden just before it is about to bloom; Below The most exquisite collection of camellias in bloom in April.
Above Wisteria arches over a trellis; Right The stone door leading to the Romantic Museum.
Above A fountain with the Porto Coat of Arms; Right A fountain in the center of the rose garden.
You Might Also Like
Wow: The Museums
What To See & Do In Porto, Portugal’s Vibrant City