Jardim de Santana
The Santana Garden, built on the orders of José Jácome Correia in the second half of the 19th century, represents an excellent heritage example of the gardenesque style, with an immense historical, artistic and botanical value in terms of the Garden Art History. In conjunction with the Palace, the garden was acquired by the State in the 20th century to be used as the headquarters of the Regional Government of the Azores. A private recreational estate was thus replaced by a more intensive usage associated with its opening to the public (with restrictions though) together with all the activities inherent to running a regional government. Over the years, this led to its degradation and hence the corresponding need for a redevelopment plan. The landscape restoration project defined a series of strategies for rehabilitation that sought to adapt the garden to new usages, adequate to the main building of the Regional Government of the Azores Presidency, respecting the heritage values and simultaneously restoring the initial creative spirit and providing the conditions for its use by the general public. The project was developed in two phases: the first, took place in 2003-2004 and dealt with the renovation of the Southern area. The second phase, regarding the Northern zone, was completed in 2010.