Tapada das Necessidades

Tapada das Necessidades – historic garden

The Tapada das Necessidades stands next to the Necessidades Palace, one of the best-loved royal residences of the House of Braganza, between Lapa and Alcântara. Its name comes from the former convent installed by order of King João V on the site of the chapel that stood there, and Queen Maria II chose the palace as her residence. The park covers about ten hectares and was created in the 18th century for the enjoyment of the royal family; in 1910 the Provisional Government of the Republic declared it open to the public. Ponds surrounded by exotic vegetation, broad lawns, the English garden, the circular greenhouse and the statuary give it a relaxed character, and it is today one of the favourite places of Lisbon residents and visitors for strolling, reading or picnicking. Entry is free. The hours, published by Lisbon City Council, vary with the season: from October to March the park opens at 08:00 and closes at 18:00 at the south gate (Largo das Necessidades) and at 17:45 at the north gate (Rua do Borja); in summer it closes at 20:00 and 19:45 respectively.

Located at: Visit Lisboa
Address: Largo das Necessidades, 1399-051 Lisboa
Opening hours: Daily; winter (October to March) 08:00-18:00 (south gate) and 08:00-17:45 (north gate); summer 08:00-20:00 and 08:00-19:45; free entry
Coordinates: 38.7092, -9.1697
Buses: 67B, 773, 712, 742, 720, 738, 713, 751, 756, 73B
Tram: 25E, 28E, 15E, 18E
Train: Cintura Line, Alcântara-Terra Station, Cascais Line, Alcântara-Mar Station
Opened: 1742 (284 years)