Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

These terraced gardens spread across a hillside above the Douro, laid out in the nineteenth century around a great glass palace since replaced by a domed pavilion. Winding avenues lead through themed gardens, fountains, sculptures and shady groves where peacocks roam freely among visitors. Numerous belvederes cut into the slope frame views over the river, the port-wine cellars of the far bank and the bridges downstream. The mix of formal beds, wilder woodland and river vistas makes it one of Porto's most popular parks.