Eduardo VII Park

Parque Eduardo VII, the largest park in the center of Lisbon, covers about 25 hectares and represents an oasis of greenery and tranquility in the middle of the city. Named after King Edward VII of the United Kingdom, who visited Portugal in 1903 to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries, the park offers a perfect example of how nature and history can coexist harmoniously. Located on top of a hill, the park offers spectacular views of Lisbon, especially from the panoramic platform at the northern end, which allows you to admire Praça Marquês de Pombal, Avenida da Liberdade, and the Tagus River. The formal design of the park, characterized by sloping lawns and symmetrical hedges, was conceived to create a sense of order and beauty. A central attraction of Parque Eduardo VII is the Estufa Fria, a large greenhouse that houses a variety of tropical plants, cacti, and exotic specimens. Divided into three main areas – Estufa Fria (Cold Greenhouse), Estufa Quente (Hot Greenhouse), and Estufa Doce (Sweet Greenhouse) – this structure is a perfect refuge for botany lovers. Built in 1933 and renovated in 2011, the Estufa Fria is a fascinating place where visitors can explore different plant species in a controlled environment. On the other side of the park is the Pavilhão Carlos Lopes, a pavilion covered in azulejos that was originally built for the 1922 Rio de Janeiro International Exhibition. This building was transported to Lisbon and rebuilt in the park in 1929. After a thorough restoration in 2017, the pavilion has become a space for public and private events, maintaining a permanent exhibition honoring Olympic marathon runner Carlos Lopes. The park is also the site of the Lisbon Book Fair, an annual event held in May and June. This cultural event attracts numerous visitors, who can explore a wide range of books and participate in meetings with authors. During the Christmas season, the park hosts Wonderland Lisboa, a Christmas market with activities for children and families, adding a festive touch to the environment. From a historical and political perspective, Parque Eduardo VII is a symbol of the lasting friendship between Portugal and the United Kingdom, a bond that dates back to Edward VII’s visit and was commemorated with the naming of the park. Additionally, the park is home to a monument dedicated to the Carnation Revolution of April 25, 1974, a crucial event in modern Portuguese history that led to the fall of the dictatorship and the establishment of democracy.