Sereia Garden — Attraction in Coimbra

The Garden of Santa Cruz was a gathering place used by the monks of Santa Cruz. The name "Garden of the Mermaid" is due to the fountain near its main entrance with the sculpture of a merman and a dolphin pouring water on a shell with a figure of a mermaid. The current layout of the park dates to the mid-18th century, with a predominance of baroque style. This is one of the great green spaces of Coimbra, place of rest, tourism, practice of sports and studies. Formerly its entrance had a staircase. Due to the numerous maintenance works of the street, gradually the steps were being suppressed by the levelling of the sidewalk.

If you're curious about what's in the region, take a look at the free audio guide at this link:

https://izi.travel/en/c125-coimbra/en

I hope you enjoy your...

I frequent this garden for more than 10 years. I will be brutally honest, this garden is amazing, it's one of the most relaxing places in Coimbra, you can come, read a book, run, refresh yourself as there are fountains, you have library attached as well the main university center.

I strongly recommend during the morning for a more relaxed experience, park is empty or there is someone reading like me.

I the afternoon and night there will be kids groups, most people call them delinquents but on my 10 years frequenting this place they never bothered me.

At night, I would advice not to deep into the garden, as there is no light and many horror stories

I love...

Although officially named Parque de Santa Cruz, the park is widely known as Jardim da Sereia due to the mermaid (sereia) statue featured in the large fountain at its entrance. Originally created in the 17th century as a place of retreat for the monks of the Monastery of Santa Cruz (Mosteiro de Santa Cruz), the park was redesigned in the 18th century into the formal garden layout seen today. It features symmetrical landscaping, a small lake, and quiet walking paths, making it a peaceful and picturesque...