Jardim Do Calem

Welcome to the Jardim Do Calem, a serene green space that serves as a vital 'urban oasis' along the banks of the Douro River. Situated in a location that provides some of the most scenic views of Porto's industrial and natural…

As we walk through the paths of the garden, we must consider the man whose name is immortalized here: Antonio Alves Calem. When he founded his wine house in 1859, the Port wine trade was already well-established, but Calem saw an…

The Douro River, which flows just meters from where we stand, is the essential element that created Porto. Known as the 'River of Gold,' it runs for nearly 900 kilometers from the Spanish mountains to the Atlantic. …

While we are in a garden, the most famous 'plant' associated with this name is the grapevine. The Port wine produced by houses like Calem begins its journey far inland, in the schist-heavy soils of the Douro Valley. …

Looking downriver from the Jardim Do Calem, your eyes will undoubtedly be drawn to the massive concrete arch of the Arrabida Bridge. Completed in 1963, it was at the time the largest concrete arch bridge in the world. …

Let us take a moment to focus on the immediate surroundings of the garden itself. The landscaping of the Jardim Do Calem is designed to be a 'sensory garden,' where the choice of plants is intended to evoke the scents and sights…

As our exploration of the Jardim Do Calem concludes, we must mention the time of day when this place truly comes alive: the sunset. In Porto and Gaia, the sunset is not just an astronomical event; it is a social ritual. …

We have wandered through the shaded paths of the Jardim Do Calem, tracing the history of a legendary wine house and the natural wonders of the Douro River. This garden stands as a testament to the city's ability to transform its…