Belvís Gardens, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain

The urban gardens of Belvís are placed in the park of Belvís, parallel to Trompas street, and just a few meters away from the dominic convent of the same name.

The environment's deparment of the council of Santiago de Compostela offered to San Pedro's neighbors an space where it is possible to carry out agricultural uses and traditions that, already many years ago, the city of Santiago and its surroundings were used normally to.

Twentynine plots of land were fitted out in one of the slopes of the park to be used and enjoyed by the citizens and neighbors of Compostela. Regarding concessions, retires have had priority, and by drawing lots among distric's neighbors for the rest, plots were officially handed over in june 2008 to its users. In the upper area of the gardens an experimental orchard was opened in order to give other citizens and onlookers the possibility to approach and get in contact with the amazing world of agriculture. Red and green peppers, tomatos, watermelons, strawberries, zucchinis, aromatic herbs and an endless range of other varieties are presented in a garden which offers as well a beautiful view of the city, its churches and cathedral. In the same area there is, at the same time and for the plot's users, both small individual racks and a shelter to keep the tools. The plots of land are equipped with hydrant and, according to the person in charge of Santiago de Compostela's environment department, “the principles of organic and traditional agriculture will be respected”.