Garden Irmã Lúcia

Jardim Irmã Lúcia is a public garden in Lisbon's Areeiro district, a green pocket for locals and visitors who want a break away from the main tourist routes. It is also known as Largo da Igreja de São João de Deus, because it wraps around the church of that name.

Where is Jardim Irmã Lúcia?

The garden sits in the Areeiro parish in northern Lisbon, at roughly 38.7397 N, 9.1378 W. Rua Brás Pacheco bounds it on the west, Avenida do México on the south, Praça de Londres on the east and Avenida Marconi on the north. The greenery lies on both the northern and southern sides of the São João de Deus church, so the church building divides the layout.

Is it free, and when is it open?

Yes, it is free. This is an open city park with no tickets and no set opening hours, so you can walk in at any time of day, though after dark the usual big-city common sense applies.

What is there to see?

The most distinctive features are the stone sculptures by the artists Euclides Vaz and Anjos Teixeira. Beyond them you will find lawns with trees and flowers, and paths paved in traditional Portuguese stone, the calçada portuguesa familiar from pavements across Lisbon. There is also a children's playground, which makes the garden a good stop on a family walk.

A typical Portuguese kiosk with a café and terrace operates in the park, a convenient place to sit down for a coffee while exploring the neighbourhood.

Dog park

In January 2021 a dedicated dog area opened in the garden, next to Praça de Londres. Dogs can run off the lead there, which makes the garden welcoming for pet owners.

Where does the name come from?

The garden is named after Sister Lúcia (Irmã Lúcia), one of the three shepherd children of Fátima. The name commemorates a figure of great importance in Portuguese Catholicism.

Who is it for?

Jardim Irmã Lúcia is not among Lisbon's headline monuments, but it works well as a short stop. It suits people who enjoy quiet city parks, families with children, dog owners and anyone interested in sculpture in public space. Thanks to its position by Praça de Londres, a visit combines easily with a stroll through the surrounding streets of Areeiro.

Frequently asked questions

Is the garden free? Yes, entry is free and there are no opening hours.

Can I bring my dog? Yes, there is a designated area by Praça de Londres where dogs can run without a lead, opened in January 2021.

Is there anything for children? Yes, the garden has a playground.

Where can I get a coffee? At the kiosk with a café and terrace inside the park.

Who is the garden named after? Sister Lúcia, one of the shepherd children of Fátima.