Originally called Praça do Príncipe Real, the current Praça Álvaro Marques or Jardim dos Paços do Concelho was the first public garden in Vila Nova de Famalicão. Its history dates back to 1886, when the new Porto/Braga road was established as a privileged access to the place where the first City Hall and Court building appeared, surrounded by a romantic garden.

The current building and garden were designed by the architect Januário Godinho and were inaugurated in 1961. With modernist influences, this garden offers beautiful spaces for staying and contemplation, next to the bust of Camilo Castelo Branco and the water mirror. Also noteworthy are the magnificent exotic trees and colorful flower beds of the time.