Lisbon’s public garden: a seed of modern city life
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In 1764, the Marquis of Pombal created the Passeio Público in Lisbon, establishing what is considered the world’s first public garden.
Before this, gardens were typically associated with palaces, religious institutions, or the aristocracy. Pombal designed the garden as a space for all Lisbon residents to socialize, observe, and be seen, changing how people interacted with the city. This initiative occurred as Lisbon was being rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.
Pombal aimed to create a more rational and functional urban environment. He not only reconstructed buildings but also reshaped the city’s spaces, allowing citizens to experience and claim the city in new ways. The garden became a symbol of this shift, moving away from spaces solely representing power and toward spaces fostering community. Over time, the Passeio Público became a popular destination, even attracting the royal family, including Queen Maria II and King Ferdinand II.
King Ferdinand II, particularly interested in gardens and landscaping, helped transform the space into a central hub of social life. However, in the 19th century, Lisbon sought a more monumental and modern urban design. The garden was eventually replaced by Avenida da Liberdade, a large avenue, to meet these new ambitions. Despite its disappearance, the garden’s legacy of accessible public space endured, influencing the development of parks and plazas throughout the city.
