ROSE GARDEN

public garden

Sabugal

This litttle garden intends to celebrate the passage of Queen “Santa Isabel” on “raianas” lands and the importance that the king D. Dinis had for the conquest and portuguese nationalization of this region. The garden located next to the castle (also responsability of D. Dinis) sought through the female presence of the Queen to present the importance of this time for the region and the city of Sabugal. It is also well known that the earliest claim to the miracle of roses was performed in the Sabugal Village. This beautiful symbolism, which involves the whole life of the Queen “Santa Isabel” of Portugal, also called as “Aragon Rose”, was celebrates in this rose garden with the most importante varieties of this species with more than 5000 years of history. Using more than one hundred varieties of roses this garden also tries to present the evolution of these species, presenting it not in chronological form but through the palette of possible colours of this species.

This garden develops in two levels. Down a spiral we reach the lowest level. Taking the route through the garden we reach the other limit, where a water mirror is located. From this space, one climbs to the second landing, which also exits by the same spiral.

MIRACLE OF ROSES:

Legend says she would leave the palace disguised, in order to take food to the poor. She was very devoted to God and also passed great part of her time in prayer.One of the miracles attributed to her is the “miracle of the roses”. After the king had discovered she was leaving the palace to take food to the poor he forbade her to do it. He threatened to lock her up and confine her to the palace. She never gave up and every day she was still leaving behind the king’s back. One day in the winter time she was carrying pieces of bread hidden in her dress. The King saw her going out and stopped her asking, “What you are carrying?” She answered, “Roses, my lord.” He didn’t believe because it was winter. He asked her to show him the roses. Obediently she unfolded the dress and there were roses instead of bread.

PROJECT CREDITS

Location: Sabugal

Studio: João Madalena, Lda

Project Team: João Madalena. Hugo Menoita, Nuno Caramelo  [ architects ]

Carla Madeira [ landscape architect ]

Client:  Sabugal City Council

Date: 2016 to 2017

3D Images Credits: João Pires