Jardim da Cerca da Graça

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The park occupies the former garden grounds of the Convento da Graça, which remained inaccessible to the public for centuries.

2. 2

   It is built on a steep incline, connecting the high-altitude Graça neighborhood with the lower-lying historic quarter of Mouraria.

3. 3

   The garden features an urban agriculture project with allocated vegetable plots for local citizens.

4. 4

   The project to transform the land into a public garden was finalized and opened to the city in 2015.

5. 5

   It serves as a transition zone between the tourist-heavy Graça lookout points and the traditional residential streets below.

Overview

Jardim da Cerca da Graça is the largest green space within Lisbon's historic center, spanning roughly 1.7 hectares. Formerly private land belonging to the Convento da Graça, it features a terraced layout that offers sweeping views across the city toward the Castelo de São Jorge and the Tagus River. The park includes a dedicated children's playground and an integrated cafe terrace. Its sloped terrain incorporates walking paths that descend from the Graça hilltop down toward the Mouraria district. The site contains an urban orchard and vegetable patches maintained for community use. Open-air seating areas provide shaded spots for residents and visitors to rest away from the busier tourist corridors.

Insider tips

• Bring comfortable walking shoes to navigate the steep, paved ramps and stairs throughout the park.

• Visit the cafe terrace during the late afternoon to experience the change in light over the Alfama district.

• Use the upper entrances if you prefer a downhill walk rather than a steep climb back to the Graça neighborhood.