Parque da Jaqueira (Jaqueira Park), Recife

Jaqueira Park lies within a residential district in the northern part of the city, offering a large green space used for daily recreation. Covering about 70,000 square meters, it is generally considered the second largest urban park, following the opening of Parque da Macaxeira in 2014. Its name comes from the many jackfruit trees that once grew on the land, reflecting its earlier use as part of an 18th-century estate known as Quinta da Jaqueira.

At the center of the park stands the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição das Barreiras, often called Capela da Jaqueira. This small chapel dates to the 18th century and shows clear features of Portuguese Baroque architecture, with a simple façade and traditional proportions. The surrounding gardens were redesigned by Roberto Burle Marx, with curved paths, open lawns, and plant groupings that frame the chapel.

Today, the park functions as a public space for both leisure and sport. It includes a 1,000-meter jogging track, an 1,100-meter bike path, a BMX track, and a skating area. Families use the playgrounds and shaded seating areas, while others come to walk or rest under the trees. The vegetation still includes fruit-bearing species such as mango, pitanga, and jackfruit, maintaining a link to the site’s earlier landscape.