The Passeio Alegre Garden is one of the most beautiful in Porto, but also one of the best in the world, with its “Green Heritage Site” award . However, this area of the city is not only known for its green areas. There is also a unique complex classified as a Property of Public Interest: the Passeio Alegre Sanitary Facilities.
But there’s news: this little Porto treasure is now going to undergo conservation work. In fact, according to the official website of Porto City Council (CMP), the work will begin this Monday, October 13, and will be carried out by the company GO Porto. In all, the conservation and restoration work is expected to cost 280,000 euros.
During the work, the iconic toilets will be completely closed, but not without proper replacement. In other words, temporary equipment will be placed in the garden area for the population.
Emblematic Art Nouveau tiles
In Porto, tiles attract the attention of locals and tourists alike and are scattered throughout the city’s buildings and monuments. São Bento Station and the Capela das Almas are two of the best-known examples. However, they are not the only ones.
In fact, Invicta’s tile art is so striking that it can even be found in the toilets of Passeio Alegre, a work dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. There, the tile and mosaic cladding is a faithful (and appealing) testimony to the Art Nouveau style, which is now going to be the target of a restoration process.
Works will restore the original shine
The project includes the conservation and restoration of the tile panels on the exterior façades and interior coverings, as well as the restoration of the ceramic flooring and original sanitary fittings, including the ceramic urinal,” reads the CMP website.
Expected to take 270 days, the aim is to preserve authenticity and ensure that this little icon of Foz continues to be part of Porto’s history in all its splendor.
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