At the end of the 19th century the city of Porto hosted the Great International Exhibition, a big industrial exhibition with more than 3.000 participants from all over the world.
The Cristal Palace and its gardens, inspired by the palace built in London in 1851, was conceived to host this great event that took place in 1865. It was designed by the English architect Thomas Dillen Jones and was more than 150 meters wide and 72 meters high.
Unfortunately this amazing building was demolished in 1951 to give place to a sports pavilion, but its gardens remained pretty much the same up until today. Designed in 1860 by the German landscaper Émile David, this garden is nowadays one of the most beautiful public gardens in Porto. If the sun is shining the locals go there to have picnics or just to lay in the grass by the trees. And it has some amazing views of the Douro River!
Walk through the Avenida das Tílias (“Avenue of Lindens”) and visit the Almeida Garret public library; take a time to visit the exhibitions that are hosted there, in the City’s Gallery. Go pass the chapel built in 1849 in honor of Carlos Alberto da Sardenha and take a picture of the Arrábida Bridge in one of the most disputed viewpoints. Walk by the pleasant lagoon and look for a bench to rest while enjoying the Douro view. Just be careful with the peacocks, they are always around!
Discover the Cristal Palace Gardens and other secrets of Porto with us! To find out more unmissable places to visit, check other posts here: Casa Museu Guerra Junqueiro, Santa Clara church, British Factory House and Casa do Infante. Book a Porto B Side tour and we will share with you our favorite places in Porto. We are glad to share everything we know :) Send us a message!
