Jardim Ducla Soares

Jardim Ducla Soares is a public park in Lisbon's Belém parish. It covers roughly 2.9 hectares on the sloping São Jerónimo hill, between Avenida do Restelo and Rua Pêro da Covilhã. A chapel dedicated to Saint Jerome crowns the top, and a viewpoint beside it looks over the Tagus and the Belém Tower.

Where is Jardim Ducla Soares?

The park sits on the São Jerónimo hill, in the part of Lisbon tied to the Age of Discoveries. Some of Portugal's most representative national monuments from that era stand nearby: the Ermida de São Jerónimo, the Torre de Belém and the Jerónimos Monastery. A visit to the park fits naturally into a day exploring Belém.

Who is the park named after?

According to a municipal notice dated 7 September 1987, the park honours Armando José Ducla de Sousa Soares, a Lisbon-born physician and researcher. He lived and worked in the city and died at his home on Largo da Princesa.

Who designed the garden?

The design is credited to Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles, the Portuguese landscape architect. The layout works with the natural slope: paths and grassy terraces climb toward the chapel and the lookout at the top of the hill.

What is there to see?

• The chapel of Saint Jerome at the summit, part of the historic Belém ensemble.
• A viewpoint with a panorama of the Torre de Belém and the Tagus.
• A statue of D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, unveiled in the park on 6 November 2016 by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Is it a good spot for photos?

Yes. One of the best-known photographs of the Torre de Belém is taken from Jardim Ducla Soares. The elevated angle, with the river behind, differs from the usual shots taken beside the tower, so the park appeals to photographers and to anyone looking for a calmer vantage point.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the park? About 2.9 hectares.

Can you see the Torre de Belém from the park? Yes, the viewpoint by the chapel looks down on the tower and the Tagus.

Is it close to other sights? Yes. It lies in the historic part of Belém, near the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, so it is easy to add to a walking route through the district.

Who is the park named after? Physician and researcher Armando José Ducla de Sousa Soares, honoured by a 1987 notice.

How long should a visit take? A relaxed walk up the hill and some time at the viewpoint make for a short visit that pairs well with other Belém attractions. Check local sources for opening hours and access before you go.