Parque Eduardo VII (Lisbon, Avenida Da Liberdade Area)

Parque Eduardo VII is Lisbon's largest central park, a long, sloping green space at the top of the Avenida da Liberdade, above the Marquês de Pombal roundabout. It covers about twenty-five hectares and rises toward the north, so that from its upper end you look straight down the line of the avenue to the Baixa and the Tagus, with the castle on its hill on one side. It is one of the best places in the city for a sweeping view and for a breath of fresh air, and it is a popular spot with locals at weekends.

The park takes its name from King Edward VII of Britain, who made a state visit to Portugal in 1903 to strengthen the old alliance between the two countries. The land had been laid out earlier as the Parque da Liberdade, and in honour of the royal guest, it was renamed. The layout seen today owes much to a redesign in the mid-20th century by the landscape architect Francisco Caldeira Cabral, with long lawns and formal parterres in geometric patterns of clipped box hedges, bordered by paths and lines of trees. At the northern end, a high terrace carries a flagpole and a large monument commemorating the Carnation Revolution of 25 April 1974, with a stepped platform and a view of the city. The Pavilhão Carlos Lopes, a hall named after an Olympic marathon winner, stands on the western side.

One of the park's best features is the Estufa Fria, the Cold Greenhouse, a large sheltered garden covered with wooden slats that let in filtered light, which opened in the 1930s on the site of an old quarry. Inside, paths wind past ponds, waterfalls, rocks and a lush collection of tropical and subtropical plants, including ferns, palms, orchids and bromeliads, in a cool, humid atmosphere that is a pleasure on hot days. A neighbouring greenhouse, the Estufa Quente, holds plants that need warmer conditions. Entry to the greenhouses is usually charged at a modest price, while the open park is free.

The park is a good place for a picnic, a jog or a stroll, with benches and shaded corners, and the view at sunset is a favourite. It is also the setting for concerts, fairs and events in summer, including a book fair held each year in early summer. Slopes can be steep, so wear comfortable shoes. Because the park is large and the sun can be strong, it is wise to bring water and a hat.

The park is easily reached by metro to Marquês de Pombal or Parque, and is within walking distance of the Avenida da Liberdade, with its cafes and shops, and of the Gulbenkian Foundation, with its museum and gardens, a short way to the north. It suits families, walkers and anyone who enjoys a green view over the capital.