Water Gardens

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The park was specifically designed for Expo '98 to demonstrate the vital role of water in the Portuguese landscape.

2. 2

   It includes a 'musical' section where water flows over distinct surfaces to create acoustic variations.

3. 3

   The garden layout mimics the natural progression of water moving from a mountain stream down to a lowland river delta.

4. 4

   The project was led by architect João Ferreira Nunes of the PROAP studio.

5. 5

   The site uses a closed-loop circulation system to minimize water waste while maintaining the constant flow of its features.

6. 6

   The garden is situated on land reclaimed from the industrial port area of Lisbon.

7. 7

   It features a specific structure designed to act as a replica of a traditional 'levada' or irrigation channel used in agricultural regions.

Overview

The Water Gardens (Jardins da Água) are a thematic park located within the Parque das Nações district, designed to showcase the lifecycle of water. The park features an educational layout that utilizes gravity-fed channels, fountains, and interactive hydraulic structures to demonstrate the movement of water from the mountains to the sea. The landscape architecture incorporates native vegetation alongside industrial concrete elements that reflect the area's 1998 World Exposition legacy. Pathways are integrated with artificial streams and basins that oxygenate the water and provide habitats for local bird species. The site functions as both an urban public park and a historical exhibit on hydraulic engineering. It is characterized by modernist design principles and minimalist stone pathways set against the backdrop of the Tagus estuary.

Insider tips

• Bring comfortable walking shoes with good grip as the surfaces near water features can be slippery.

• The park is mostly unshaded; bring sun protection and water during the warmer months.

• Plan your visit to coincide with a high tide if you wish to see the estuary interface at its most prominent.