Parque de São Roque

Parque de São Roque is a municipal park of just over four hectares in the Campanhã district, in eastern Porto. Formerly known as Quinta da Lameira, it is one of the calmest green corners of the city and a good place to rest away from the busy tourist centre.

What is Parque de São Roque?

The park occupies a former country estate. Quinta da Lameira was originally carved out of the larger Quinta da Bela-Vista. In 1979 the Porto city council bought the land from the Cálem family, and the park opened to the public on 20 July 1979. Since then it has served as the green lung of eastern Porto. It was revitalised in the early 1990s.

The grounds are laid out in terraces, so a walk here takes you up and down the slope, with each part of the garden revealing itself in turn. It keeps the character of a romantic garden, with quiet nooks and shadier paths.

What is there to see?

The park's trademark is its maze of boxwood hedges (Buxus sempervirens). It looks best seen from above, from a raised spot where the geometry of the hedges creates a striking view.

Besides the maze you will find:

• a wrought-iron fountain,
• a small lake and a grotto pond,
• a circular viewpoint,
• a chapel moved here from Largo Actor Dias,
• sculptures placed around the grounds,
• a children's playground.

Where are the entrances and buildings?

The terraces stretch from Travessa das Antas, where one entrance is located, down to Rua de São Roque da Lameira. On that street stands an old manor house dating from 1792, linked to the history of the former quinta.

Does the park have an educational role?

Yes. An Environmental Education Centre has operated here since the 2002/2003 school year, so school groups are a common sight.

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours? Tourism listings give winter hours of 08:00-19:00 and summer hours of 08:00-20:00. Check the Porto city website before you go.

Is there an entrance fee? It is a municipal park that has been open to the public since 1979 and is not known as a ticketed attraction. The city council has current details.

Is it good for children? Yes. The boxwood maze, the lake and the playground make it well suited to a family stroll.

Is it suitable for a picnic? The shady corners and the terrace with a view mean the park is often suggested as a picnic spot.

How long should I plan? A relaxed visit covering the maze, the lake and the viewpoint usually takes one to two hours.

Why visit?

Parque de São Roque shows a different side of Porto from the Douro waterfront and the crowded landmarks. It suits anyone who enjoys romantic gardens, terraces, water and quiet, and who wants to see everyday life in the eastern part of the city. The boxwood maze is the main attraction, but it is just as pleasant to sit by the fountain or wander the paths among the trees.