Jardins do Palacio de Cristal, Portugal: Off The Beaten Path
With dramatic views over the Rio Duoro, the Jardins do Palacio de Cristal is the perfect spot to escape the city and meander the gardens at leisure. Although the former Crystal Palace is no longer there, the diversely styled and constructed gardens remain untainted and offer a welcoming invitation to guests. With a panoramic view spanning from the Dom Luis Bridge to the Arrabida Bridge, the Jardins do Palacio de Cristal may just be the best view over Porto.
Although the property is compact in size, that intimacy is expanded throughout the multitudes of artistic horticulture. Focusing on unity, harmony, and balance, the Jardins do Palacio de Cristal is sure to bring you peace while overlooking the Douro. The wide variety of trees and bushes, plus the fountains and artistic pathways make for a visually pleasing experience. If you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of the photogenic peacocks that wander the property.
Originally constructed for the International Show in 1865, the Palacio Cristal was destroyed in the 1950s, causing a flurry of despair. The silver lining: the gardens designed by landscape architect Emilio David of Germany survived. Although the property may not be the largest in the area, it is the most diverse with a state of the art domed sports pavilion and a mosaic of miniature gardens, all with their own distinct flavor, just like Porto.
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