António Borges Garden: Ponta Delgada’s Romantic Green Lung

A few minutes from downtown Ponta Delgada, a 19th-century garden transports visitors to a completely different world — grottoes of volcanic stone, palm trees from distant continents, and the rare quiet of a city that seems to stay just outside the walls.

Created by a collector passionate about botany

Built between 1858 and 1861 by António Borges da Câmara de Medeiros, an Azorean merchant and politician, the garden began as a private property — then called “Jardim da Lombinha” — turned into a true botanical garden through the import of hundreds of exotic species from every corner of the world.

From private garden to city park

After António Borges’ death, the garden was bought from his heirs by Ponta Delgada’s town council, opening to the public on 11 September 1957 as the City Park. Since then, it has hosted sports activities, open-air film screenings, and popular comedy performances.

Romantic grottoes in red lava stone

Covering about 2.5 hectares, the garden follows the romantic, picturesque style of 19th-century landscaping, influenced by the English landscape school. Among its most curious features is a system of artificial caves and tunnels built from red lava stone, plus a castle-shaped cistern-lookout.

Vegetation from every continent

The garden brings together tree ferns, in the so-called Fern Valley, an extensive palm tree collection along the Palm Avenue, and an emblematic Australian banyan fig tree. The ponds, now home to ducks, complete a setting that makes you forget you’re in the middle of the city.

Planning your visit

• Location: Rua Jardim António Borges, São José parish, Ponta Delgada.
• Admission: free, with no strict opening hours.
• Facilities: playground, café, and restrooms.

Best time to visit

Any time of year lets you enjoy the shade of the century-old trees, though spring brings more species into bloom.

Nearby highlights

Ponta Delgada’s historic centre, with the City Gates, is just a few minutes’ walk away.

After the garden, head to Ponta Delgada’s historic centre to complete the contrast between the garden’s quiet green and the Azorean capital’s urban life.

Learn more about the flora of the Azores.