Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra — Attraction in Coimbra

Always a must when I go to Coimbra. Many ID'd plant species, many birds (you can even find Ring Necks that live permanently here). Nice fresh air, there is a closed greenhouse but you must contact previously to visit (honestly not worth it, it's mostly orchids, carnivorous plants, begonias and some aroids, many not in the greatest conditions). On the upper part of the garden you can find a recently open "sensation" section with herbs meant for people to touch and smell and a planted garden with crop like plants so people can see how they look. There are also other gardens at this level. On the middle section there are more gardens and ponds, surrounded by magnolias and fagus sylvatica purpurea (the purple leaf beech). Moving onto the bottom section you can find more paths that lead to a heavily dense bamboo forest with a path that slithers down to the lower entrance of the garden. It has been improving over time and eventually more paths will open...

The Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra was founded in 1772 in the heart of the city. It is an impressive garden with more than 13 hectares. Its space is divided into two areas: one is the Classical Garden, with a collection including specimens from around the world distributed on different planes of ground. The planes are connected by stairways and have leisure spaces, outdoor exhibitions, and artistic interventions. In it stands out the stove made of iron and glass, which has recently been recovered. It is an architectural exemplar of the Victorian style from the mid-19th century. The neoclassical adornments identifiable in the fountain also deserve attention, as do the main gate and the steeple that guard the garden, made in stone, iron, and bronze. The other area is a wood with a trail. There are plants from distinct parts of the world competing freely in a balanced ecosystem.

I hope you enjoy your...

Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, It is one of the richest gardens in the whole country. Marquis de Pombal ordered its construction in 1772, in order to be the “natural history” lab of the University of Coimbra. Designed by Italian artists, the Botanical Garden covers a wood area, as well as six ledges with several steaming cabinets, lakes, tanks and fountains. At the entry of the garden, you will see a statue of Avelar Brotero, Botanical Garden’s first director, created by Soares dos Reis. This is the ideal place for peaceful walks or open-air study sessions. The Botanical Garden still plays nowadays a major role in scientific research. Covering over 1200 species, most of them rare or exotic, this garden provides a pleasant trip to the vegetal kingdom and...