I have traveled to various places in Asia and every time I visit that part of the world there’s always a fascination for culture and for religions, especially Buddhism. So it was with some curiosity that I visited the Buddha Eden.
Located in Quinta dos Loridos, in Bombarral, Portugal, owned by the Bacalhôa wine company, this is the largest oriental garden in Europe. With hundreds of statues and sculptures, the park takes us along paths and trails that coexist with well-kept vegetation.
Created as a form of protest for the destruction of the giant Buddhas of Bamiyan, the Bacalhôa Buddha Eden grown over the years and today stands out the strong blue of the approximately 600 terracotta warriors or the big golden Buddhas that are seen at the top of a long staircase.
Also, the lakes take on special importance in this oriental garden. Framed by palm trees or Japanese trees, with ducks that swim along with koi fish.
Buddha Eden is not only Buddhas!
Perhaps what I liked less were the contemporary pieces scattered around the grounds or the area dedicated to African sculptures. Don’t get me wrong: these works of art are magnificent and worthy of recognition. But, in my opinion, they are undocked with the true theme of the garden.
To visit the Buddha Eden I paid €4. Well, the wallet came back a bit more empty, because the exit is made by the wine shop and I didn’t resist buying a nice bottle of red. 😉
There’s also the option of taking the tour on a small train, ideal for those with mobility problems. But for the remaining visitors, I find it a waste. The beauty of this garden should be enjoyed on foot and slowly, to be able to see all the details.
And what about you, have you ever visited Bacalhoa Buddha Eden? Let me know what you think in the message box below. If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer.
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