Parque Verde

Parque Verde de Alcobaça is an urban park on the banks of the Alcoa River, at the eastern entrance to the town of Alcobaça in central Portugal. It opened on 21 March 2019. Official documents give its area as 60,000 square metres, and some descriptions round this to about 7 hectares. The park combines everyday recreation with the preservation of the historic water channels that once carried water to the famous monastery.

What is this place and why visit?

It is a green space for locals and for visitors who tour Alcobaça Monastery and want to unwind afterwards. The park opens the town up to a river that used to be hard for walkers to reach. The project cost around 2.5 million euros, with 85 percent financed by the Centro 2020 programme through EU FEDER funds.

How is the park laid out?

The design is built around three walking axes:

• the central path, running between the river and the wall of the old levada, an artificial water channel,
• the Alcoa paths, pedestrian and cycling routes that stay close to the water,
• the Levada paths, stretches that reach the town's inner ring road.

You can take a short stroll or a longer bike ride along the river.

What can you do here?

There is a square with an amphitheatre for open-air performances, plus wooded areas and clearings for sport and relaxation. The park also has a cafeteria, a gallery, two multi-purpose sports fields and a skate park. Families will appreciate the children's playground with water games. The project also includes a so-called water forest, greenhouses, a riverside gallery of vegetation and a car park with 58 spaces.

How does the park relate to Alcobaça Monastery?

The Cistercian monastery was built in a forest rich in water, where the Alcoa and Baça rivers meet. Construction began in 1178, and the monks moved in during 1223. Water from the Alcoa reached the buildings through an open artificial channel about 1.5 kilometres long. The system supplied drinking water, but also served industrial uses, washing and the generation of energy. The park keeps traces of these old waterways, which is why the municipality includes it in visits focused on water and monastic heritage.

When and how to visit

The park suits a short break between sights, a morning jog, a walk with children or a bike ride. It lies at the eastern entrance to town, so it is an easy walk from the centre of Alcobaça. If you arrive by car, there is a car park by the park.

Frequently asked questions

When did Parque Verde de Alcobaça open? It was inaugurated on 21 March 2019.

Where is it? On the Alcoa River, at the eastern entrance to Alcobaça in central Portugal.

Is there a playground? Yes, there is a playground with water games.

Can I cycle here? Yes, the Alcoa paths are designed for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Is there parking? Yes, the project includes a car park with 58 spaces.

What else is nearby? Alcobaça Monastery, a World Heritage site, and the water system that once supplied it.