The Palácio de Cristal Gardens are an important example of nature-based solutions, integrating green infrastructure with multiple ecological and social functions into a densely urbanised area.
The diverse vegetation contributes to temperature regulation and improving air quality, while the topography and natural drainage systems facilitate sustainable rainwater management, reducing the risk of urban flooding. The mosaic of habitats, ranging from grassy areas to woodlands and formal gardens, supports urban biodiversity and the use of the various spaces for different recreational and relaxation purposes.
Faunal biodiversity is very diverse with two species of reptile, at least one species of bat, 62 species of insect, 22 species of fungus and around 85 species of birds observed so far. We should also emphasise the presence of three species of amphibian which, thanks to the restoration work on the water bodies under the MoRe project, were able to be introduced and can now be seen in the gardens’ lakes and ponds: the green frog (Pelophylax perezi), the orange-bellied newt (Lissotriton boscai) and the common parrot frog (Alytes obstreticans).
During the restoration, species of emergent aquatic plants (such as Iris pseudacorus, Lysimachia vulgaris, Lythrum salicaria), floating plants (such as Nymphoides peltata and Potamogeton crispus) and plants from draining areas (such as Marsilea batardea, Carex pendula and Wahlenbergia hederacea).
As for the other flora present in the gardens, the Palácio de Cristal gardens have around 1,340 trees, including the Acer (Acer negundo), the Tilia (Cordata, Platyphyllos and Tomentosa), the Camellias, the Metrosidero (Metrosidero excelsa), the Palm (Washingtonia Robusta), the Araucaria (Araucaria Heterophyilla) and the Plátano (Platano acerifolia); with special emphasis on two trees classified as being of public interest – the Virginia tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) and the evergreen magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora).
The Palácio de Cristal gardens are an important meeting point for the local population, where various artistic, sporting and/or social events and activities are organised. In addition, these gardens are close to the city’s central hospital, making them very important as a buffer zone for air quality, reducing urban noise and providing a natural, green space for users, health professionals and visitors to enjoy.
