The Botanical Garden is today one of the most emblematic places in Coimbra, always receiving numerous visitors. The space has an area of ​​over 13 hectares and is a member of the Ibero-Macaronesica Association of Botanical Gardens and the BGCI (Botanical Gardens Conservation International).

Located between Polo I of the University of Coimbra and Rotunda do Papa (translated into Roundabout of the Pope), the garden began its construction in 1774. In 1731, there was the first attempt to build a botanical garden in Coimbra, however, only years later, Marquês de Pombal, managed to begin the works within the scope of the university reform.

Inside the garden, there are several spaces to visit, in an area full of green colour and where you can breathe fresh air in the centre of the city. Listening to the birds, and the water running in the fountains while exploring every corner of the garden.

Tropical Nook

The location of the garden, in an area with plenty of sunlight, creates the ideal conditions for the planting and healthy growth of tropical species. It is right at the entrance to the garden that you can appreciate these plants, which provide a diversity of species, mainly palm trees, one of which comes from the Algarve.


Central Square and Font

It is the place where the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra was born. With a high fountain, and always running water, this place, which resembles a labyrinth, is full of the flora of the most varied species. With several iron gates and bushes, this spot is perhaps one of the most peaceful corners of the garden. With small garden benches around the fountain, it is common to find people reading their books, or simply relaxing. With symmetrical bushes and flowerbeds, you can see several magnolias, garden cherry trees and azaleas. With touches of Romanticism, the Quadrado Central e Fonte area is perhaps one of the most emblematic places in the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra.

Greenhouses

There are two greenhouses available in the Botanical Garden, Estufa Tropical (Tropical Greenhouse) and Estufa Fria (Cold Greenhouse). Estufa Tropical has been receiving plants since 1865, in a building that combines iron and glass. In 2018, after rehabilitation works, it once again received the public, who can essentially see tropical and subtropical plants. The Estufa Fria is more recent, having been inaugurated in the 50s, unlike the Estufa Tropical, in the Estufa Fria species that are used to more humid and dark environments are housed. Inside the Estufa there is also a stream, which crosses the entire Estufa.


Bamboo

About one hectare of the forest at the University Botanical Garden is occupied by the bamboo species Phyllostachys bambusoides. The bamboos create a scenario commonly seen in films. The height of the plants creates an arch, which almost completely blocks the sunlight, allowing only a few rays of sunlight to penetrate, giving a mysterious atmosphere to the place. It is a place where the temperature is always cool, making it a good place to walk or stroll on a hot summer afternoon.

The Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra cannot be visited just once, because every time you go there you discover new things. New doors, a little more construction and even our favourite plant may have grown.

Author

Deeply in love with music and with a guilty pleasure in criminal cases, Bruno G. Santos decided to study Journalism and Communication, hoping to combine both passions into writing. The journalist is also a passionate traveller who likes to write about other cultures and discover the various hidden gems from Portugal and the world. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos