The world's first public garden was born in Lisbon in the 18th century. This is the Passeio Público, created in 1764 by initiative of the Marquis of Pombal, during a period when the city was being rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.
This garden emerged in the space where Praça dos Restauradores now stands, a location that previously housed the Rossio area and where thousands of people pass through daily today. Before the construction of Avenida da Liberdade, before the heavy traffic, the hotels, and the large stores, that space was occupied by this pioneering garden.
The creation of the Passeio Público represented a significant change in the way Lisboetas related to the city itself. The garden marked the beginning of a very different conception of urban space, introducing an innovative concept of public gathering in Lisbon.
This garden is frequently recognized as the world's first public garden, having become known as Olhares de Lisboa, demonstrating the historical importance of this creation for the heritage and culture of the Portuguese capital.
