The garden's central specimen is a protected specimen of Cupressus lusitanica, estimated to be over 150 years old.
The garden is officially named Jardim França Borges in honor of the Portuguese journalist and politician.
The park is surrounded by historic 19th-century buildings, many of which are examples of traditional Lisbon architectural styles.
It remains one of the few urban spaces in Lisbon that retains a high density of original, mature exotic trees planted in the mid-1800s.
The kiosk café inside the park is a quintessential example of Lisbon's traditional outdoor refreshment culture.
Principe Real Garden, officially named Jardim França Borges, is a 19th-century romantic-style garden located in the heart of Lisbon's trendy Principe Real neighborhood. The park is anchored by a massive, centuries-old Cupressus lusitanica (Mexican cypress) with a 20-meter canopy, which provides extensive shade over the central area. The grounds feature a kiosk-style café, a children's playground, and an ornate, non-functional fountain. It serves as a central hub for surrounding boutique shops, upscale galleries, and 19th-century aristocratic mansions. On weekends, the garden frequently hosts organic farmers' markets and antique fairs, drawing local residents and visitors alike.
Beneath the expansive branches of the central Mexican cypress tree, looking toward the kiosk.
Visit on Saturday mornings to experience the organic food market.
Look for the smaller antique market held at the garden on the last Saturday and Monday of each month.
The benches beneath the large cypress tree are the most popular spots for shade during peak midday heat.
Avoid assuming the fountain is a drinking water source; it is purely decorative and historically significant.
