Coimbra, Portugal’s medieval capital, is a city that exudes history and charm. Among its many historical attractions is the Jardim da Manga (Manga Garden), an often-overlooked gem in the heart of this ancient city. This enchanting garden, with its unique architecture and serene atmosphere, offers visitors a moment of tranquility amidst their urban exploration.
A Brief History
The Jardim da Manga owes its existence to King João III who ruled Portugal from 1521 until his death in 1557. The king decided to construct this cloister after having a divine vision while eating a piece of fruit (manga in Portuguese) at the Santa Cruz Monastery in Coimbra. Hence came about the name – ‘Jardim da Manga’ or literally translated as ‘Garden of Fruit’. It was part of the larger Santa Cruz Monastery complex but now stands alone as one distinct monument.
Architectural Splendor
The central feature of Jardim da Manga is an ornate fountain set within an octagonal pool which symbolizes God’s creation on Earth according to Christian belief – eight being representative of eternity and infinity. Surrounding it are four smaller chapels representing Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; these were designed by Diogo de Castilho and Jean de Rouen under renaissance influence during mid-16th century.
This architectural masterpiece showcases Manueline style combined with early Renaissance elements – making it one-of-a-kind even amongst other monuments throughout Portugal. The delicate carvings depicting biblical scenes along with intricate details such as twisted ropes or knots give us glimpses into rich symbolism embedded within religious art forms during that period.
Peaceful Oasis
Tucked away from bustling streets just behind Santa Cruz Church lies this tranquil haven. The Jardim da Manga is an ideal place to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, offering visitors a peaceful retreat amidst lush greenery and historical architecture.
Whether you want to sit by the fountain admiring its detailed carvings, enjoy a leisurely stroll along its well-maintained paths, or simply relax in one of its shaded corners while absorbing the serene atmosphere – this garden offers something for everyone. It’s not uncommon to see locals enjoying their lunch breaks here or students engrossed in their books under shade of trees; making it all more inviting for tourists seeking authentic local experiences.
Location & Access
The Jardim da Manga is centrally located within Coimbra’s historic district. It is easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city center including University of Coimbra (a UNESCO World Heritage site) which is just about 10 minutes’ walk away.
The garden remains open throughout year without any entry fee – making it an affordable option for budget travelers as well as families looking out for kid-friendly spaces during their trip to Portugal.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, visiting Jardim da Manga offers an opportunity not only to appreciate unique architectural elements but also delve deeper into Portuguese history and culture. This often overlooked attraction certainly deserves a spot on your itinerary when exploring Coimbra – after all, who wouldn’t love spending some time relaxing amidst such beautiful surroundings?
Frequently asked questions
What is the Jardim da Manga in Coimbra?
The Jardim da Manga, also known as the Cloister of Manga, is a historic and architectural landmark located in Coimbra, Portugal. It’s a Renaissance-era cloister that was part of the larger Santa Cruz Monastery complex. The name “Manga” comes from an old Portuguese word for sleeve, which refers to a legend about its creation. According to this story, King João III had a vision of a church springing forth from his sleeve while at prayer – hence the unique name.
What are the opening hours for visiting Jardim da Manga?
The Jardim da Manga is open 24 hours daily throughout the year since it’s an outdoor monument situated in public space. However, it’s recommended to visit during daylight hours when you can fully appreciate its architectural details and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere.
Is there any admission fee to visit Jardim da Manga?
No, there is no admission fee required to visit or explore around the Jardim da Manga as it’s essentially an open-air monument accessible freely by all visitors.
Can you tell me more about the architecture of Jardim da Mango?
Sure! The architecture of this historical site represents some of Portugal’s earliest Renaissance architecture. Its design features four chapels arranged symmetrically around a central fountain with intricate detailing on each chapel facade representing different religious themes such as Life after Death and Christ’s Passion among others. The central fountain symbolizes paradise with water flowing outwards towards earth represented by four corners marked by chapels which signifies spread of life-giving grace through baptism according to Christian beliefs.
Are there any other attractions near Jardim de la Mango in Coimbra?
Yes, there are several other attractions within walking distance from Jardim da Manga. These include the University of Coimbra – one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world, Santa Cruz Monastery which is a National Monument and houses tombs of Portugal’s first two kings, and Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Sé Velha de Coimbra), a Romanesque cathedral dating back to 12th century.
