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In one of the busiest areas of the city, this is a place of tranquility, but also of fun on special occasions.

The Monument to the Heroes of the Peninsular War, placed in the center of the garden, is a point of reference in the city, and can be seen from far. But the garden of Mouzinho de Albuquerque Square, commonly known as “Rotunda da Boavista”, has also been a place of leisure for many decades.

The garden, dating back to the early 20th century, was created around the monument, a project by the sculptor Alves de Sousa and the architect Marques da Silva. It is formed by a granite column of 45 meters of height, having at the top a peninsular lion to shoot down a Napoleonic eagle. At the base are sculptures of soldiers.

Even before the construction of the garden, this was a place where fairs were held, but also bullfights or cycle races. A tradition that continues, as the Rotunda da Boavista continues to receive carousels and other entertainment equipment on occasions such as Christmas or São João.

Camellias, liquidambars, and linden trees are some of the species present, but the most prominent are the California centennial palm trees, being of public interest.

The church of Santo Ildefonso has about 11,000 tiles on the front and sides of the bell towers.

These tiles were designed by Jorge Colaço, who also created the tiles of São Bento Station, and represent scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso and the Gospel. They were placed only in 1931, but the construction of the church is much older.

The church of Santo Ildefonso began to be constructed in 1709, the first phase (still without the bell towers) being completed in 1730. In the interior there are eight stained glass windows and a retable in carved baroque and rococo of the first half of the 18th Century by Nicolau Nasoni. When visiting this church, located in the middle of downtown Porto, do not forget to pay attention to two large canvases measuring 5.80 x 4.30 meters, suspended on the side walls, painted between 1785 and 1792.

In the area of the choir there is a pipe organ of the early nineteenth century, which has been restored. The church also has vestiges of an old cemetery, discovered during the restoration works of recovery executed in 1996.

It was from the staircase of this church that in 1891 shots were fired that would end the revolution that was the first attempt of the implantation of the Republic in Portugal.