Jardim do Arco do Cego

Jardim do Arco do Cego is a city garden in Lisbon, next to the Arco do Cego neighbourhood in the Saldanha area. Since 2009 its official name has been Jardim Jorge Luis Borges, yet locals almost always use the old name. It is a large open lawn in the middle of the city, popular for relaxing, meeting friends and strolling.

How did the garden come about?

The park occupies the site of Lisbon's former bus terminal. When the terminal moved to Sete Rios, it left behind an empty, century-old building that had housed the buses. Lisbon City Council decided to turn the area into a public green space, and the first phase opened on 10 September 2005.

What is there to see?

The heart of the garden is a wide lawn of about 7,500 square metres. It is framed by trees, shrubs and a wall that separates the park from the surrounding streets and adds a little calm. According to the OpenStreetMap description, the whole area is flat and continuous, with no steps or breaks between the streets and the grass. That makes it comfortable for wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs and cyclists.

In December 2008 a large sculpture, roughly 8 by 12 metres, was unveiled here in honour of Aristides de Sousa Mendes. He was the Portuguese diplomat who issued visas in 1940 to refugees fleeing the Nazis.

Why is it named after Borges?

In 2009, on the 110th anniversary of the birth of the Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges, the garden was given his name. On maps and in conversation, though, Arco do Cego still wins out.

What is life like in the park?

The place is especially popular with students, notably from the nearby Instituto Superior Técnico. In spring and summer the lawn fills with groups of friends spending afternoons and evenings here. That popularity has a downside: neighbours complain about noise, litter and overcrowding, so if you want quiet, choose an early hour or a weekday.

Getting there and when to go

The garden lies in the Saldanha area, well served by Lisbon's public transport, so it is easy to combine with sightseeing in the centre. It is most pleasant on warm, sunny days when you can spread a blanket on the grass. Bring your own food and drink, and take your rubbish with you.

Frequently asked questions

Does Jardim do Arco do Cego have another name? Yes, officially it is Jardim Jorge Luis Borges, a name given in 2009.

When did the park open? The first phase opened on 10 September 2005 on the site of the former bus terminal.

Is it accessible for people with reduced mobility? According to the OpenStreetMap description, the ground is flat and continuous, with no breaks between the streets and the lawn.

How large is the lawn? About 7,500 square metres, surrounded by trees, shrubs and a wall.

Is there a sculpture? Yes, since December 2008 a large sculpture commemorates Aristides de Sousa Mendes.

Is the park quiet? It depends on the time. On evenings and warm days it can be crowded and loud because students gather here.

In short

Jardim do Arco do Cego is a simple but well-loved green square in central Lisbon. It has no elaborate attractions, but it offers plenty of space on the grass, the history of a former bus depot and a slice of everyday city life. It is worth a stop between sights to see how Lisbon residents spend their free time.