Parque Infante D. Pedro (D. Pedro Children's Park), Aveiro

D. Pedro Children's Park emerged in response to the growing need for an urban green space for leisure and relaxation in Aveiro during the mid-19th century. The park, developed between 1862 and 1927, occupies a former property that once belonged to Franciscan friars from the Convent of Santo António.

The centerpiece of the park is a large central lake, adorned with multiple picturesque bridges. The park's expansive pathways are frequented daily by joggers and strollers, offering a serene environment for outdoor activities. The prominent yellow building within the park was originally designed as a tea house, providing visitors with a privileged view of the scenic surroundings.

Beneath the wide stairs connecting different sections of the park, a false cave with a fountain replicates a karst environment. A set of tiles depicting scenes from Aveiro in the early 1930s adds a historical touch to this area. In the upper part of the park, near the Convent of Santo António, stands a charming bandstand in late Art Nouveau style, dating back to the early 20th century. Adjacent to it is a tall hexagonal tower, initially designed as a water tank and now repurposed as a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the city.

D. Pedro Children's Park claims the title of the largest green space in Aveiro, boasting an impressive variety of planted trees. The collection includes both native species and those from distant origins, creating a diverse botanical landscape. Noteworthy specimens include a Holly (Ilex aquifolium), a rare and protected species of significant arboreal size, and several Ginkgo trees (Ginkgo biloba), originating from China and Japan, recognized as living fossils.