Jardim Botto Machado

Jardim Botto Machado is a small municipal garden in Lisbon, also known as Jardim de Santa Clara. It lies in the São Vicente de Fora parish, on Campo de Santa Clara, and pairs quiet greenery with one of the nicer views over the Tagus.

What is Jardim Botto Machado?

It is a small public park of roughly half a hectare. It is fenced, has paved paths and a well-developed layer of shrubs and trees that give shade on hot days. The garden was inaugurated in 1862 and follows a romantic style, similar to Lisbon's Passeio Público, today's Avenida da Liberdade, which was reopened around 1852.

Where does the name come from?

The original name, Jardim de Santa Clara, refers to Clare of Assisi (1194-1253), founder of the female branch of the Franciscan Order. The later name honours Pedro Amaral Botto Machado (1865-1924), a Portuguese diplomat and republican politician.

Where exactly is it?

The garden sits in the parish of São Vicente de Fora, near the National Pantheon, the former Church of Santa Engrácia, and the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora. The ground slopes down from the Santa Clara market to Rua do Paraíso. From the eastern top of the garden you get a view of the Tagus River.

What to see and do

• Stroll the paths among trees and shrubs.
• Rest on a bench away from the busiest tourist routes.
• Enjoy the river panorama from the eastern end of the park.
• Combine the visit with the nearby National Pantheon and the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora.

Frequently asked questions

Is Jardim Botto Machado a large park? No, it is a small space of about 0.5 hectares. It works well as a short stop while exploring the area.

Are Jardim de Santa Clara and Jardim Botto Machado the same place? Yes. The first name is older; the second honours a republican politician and diplomat.

When was the garden opened? It was inaugurated in 1862.

Is there a view of the river? Yes, the Tagus can be seen from the eastern top of the garden.

What is worth seeing nearby? The National Pantheon in the Church of Santa Engrácia and the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora are right next door, in the same part of Lisbon.

How should I plan a visit? Fit the garden into a walk through the eastern side of the old town. Bring something to drink and pause in the shade before moving on toward the river or the nearby monuments. Because the ground slopes toward Rua do Paraíso, it is easier to start at the upper part, where the view opens up, and walk down.

Who is it for?

It suits visitors who want to slow down between sights, enjoy a modest city garden and appreciate a river view without crowds. It is not an all-day attraction, but a pleasant addition to a route around São Vicente de Fora and Campo de Santa Clara.