The Praia da Rocha green space has been restored in a project funded by the municipality’s tourist tax
Portimão has officially reopened the renovated Jardim da Fortaleza de Santa Catarina (Santa Catarina Fortress Garden), one of Praia da Rocha’s most iconic green spaces, following a full restoration project funded through the municipality’s tourist tax.
The €800,000 renovation was fully financed by the tax, making it the first municipal project to be paid for in this way.
For decades, the garden has bordered the historic Santa Catarina Fortress, standing out as a green space in Praia da Rocha’s otherwise touristic landscape, with its unique stone walls and benches. Its condition deteriorated over the years to the point where a major makeover was essential.
The works focused on restoring key areas of the historic garden, including the cliffside viewpoint and the main seating area near the fort.
Paths and access routes were renewed, whilst modern features such as weathered steel railings, upgraded public lighting and new urban furniture were added, designed to blend with the original stone walls, steps and benches.
The landscaping was also refreshed with Mediterranean plant species and vegetation intended to reflect the Algarve’s cultural landscape, whilst maintaining the character of the original space, according to the council.
Article originally published by Michael Bruxo on The Resident.
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