Jardim da Cordoaria, more specifically Jardim de João Chagas, is located in Campo dos Mártires da Pátria street, at the heart of the historical center of Porto, in front of the Clérigos Tower and the National Photography Center (the former Cadeia da Relação).

It was created in the 19th century, designed by Emile David, a German landscape architect, to replace the Alameda da Cordoaria, which was the oldest green space in the city. Through the "Porto 2001 - European Capital of Culture" program, a complete alteration of the space was made by the landscape architects João Nunes and Carlos Ribas and by the architects Camilo Cortesão and Mercês Vieira.

Some of the examples of large plant species found here are classified since 2005 as trees of public interest. We highlight the Araucaria (Bidwillii), which is the largest tree in Jardim da Cordoaria and one of the largest in Portugal, which has been there since 1868. Another tree of great relevance also from the 19th century is Sequoia, a true living fossil from Tertiary period.

In this stunning garden, we have the opportunity to contemplate a promenade of Sycamores, that catches everyone's attention.  They have a peculiar aspect, due to a type of disease, which gives them an increase in diameter of the trunk where appear implanted growing branches.  

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Author: Gonçalo Meira