Between culture and nature: exploratory analysis of the reasons for the visit to historic gardens in Portugal

Abstract

The cultural and natural dimension are intrinsic to the gardens. The fascination with green and the desire to return to a "lost paradise"has accompanied Humanity since its beginnings. Just as the relationships and interrelations between men and their environment are building what is defined as culture. The gardens are the ideal places to achieve these wishes. On the one hand, they allow access to the green, to a nature that is scarce in contemporary life; on the other hand, they are themselves witnesses of several cultural dimensions and also the stage of diverse cultural manifestations. As such, the reasons for visiting gardens are multiple and dependent on several factors, both internal and external. This article aims to identify and analyze the motivations of the visit to Portuguese historical gardens based on two sources of information: supply and demand. To achieve this objective, were applied two surveys questionnaire; one to the owners/managers of about 100 gardens, the other to 666 visitors from three historical gardens. The analysis of the results showed that underlying a wide range of reasons for the visit are, in fact, natural and cultural reasons. From the perspective of the offer, the cultural dimension stands out through the associated element motive, among the visitors the natural dimension is highlighted with the visit to be held due to peace, tranquility and rest and contact with nature.