Portugal dos Pequenitos
Coimbra
Portugal dos Pequenitos is a unique miniature park located in Coimbra, Portugal, featuring diminutive replicas of traditional Portuguese houses, monuments, and pavilions representing former Portuguese colonies. Conceived in 1938 by professor and politician Fernando Bissaya Barreto with architect Cassiano Branco, the park was designed as a playful and educational space to illustrate Portugal's cultural heritage. It is divided into three main thematic areas: regional Portuguese architecture including manor houses and chapels from Trás-os-Montes and Minho; a collection of significant Portuguese monuments; and ethnographic representations of the overseas territories such as Portuguese Africa, Brazil, Macau, India, and East Timor, complemented by native flora. The park integrates important monuments from the Azores and Madeira and is situated near historic sites like the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova. Since its opening in 1940, Portugal dos Pequenitos has evolved, adding a visitor center and expanding its collection to include new monuments and regional houses. It serves as both a cultural showcase and an engaging attraction for families and visitors interested in Portuguese history and architecture.
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Tip: The best time to visit Portugal dos Pequenitos is during spring and early autumn to enjoy pleasant weather. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance during peak seasons to avoid queues. The park offers educational activities suitable for children, making it ideal for family visits. Check the official website for opening hours and special events. Discounts may be available for groups, students, and seniors.
Interesting facts
- •The park includes miniature representations of Portuguese overseas territories such as Macau, India, and East Timor, surrounded by native flora.
- •In 2007, Portugal dos Pequenitos recorded its highest visitor number with 331,000 entries.
- •The park is located near several historic monasteries, including Santa Clara-a-Nova and Santa Clara-a-Velha.
- •The original project was designed by architect Cassiano Branco, an important figure in Portuguese architecture.
- •The park features a world map of the Portuguese Empire and a statue of Henry the Navigator.
History
Portugal dos Pequenitos was initiated in 1938 by Fernando Bissaya Barreto and architect Cassiano Branco, opening in 1940.
Its construction occurred in three phases: the first focused on regional Portuguese houses and chapels; the second on national monuments; and the third, completed by the late 1950s, on reproductions of Portuguese overseas provinces and their native flora.
Since 1959, the park has been managed by the Bissaya Barreto Foundation and has expanded to include a visitor center and new exhibits to keep the experience dynamic.
Place Guide
Regional Houses Area1938-1940
This section features miniature traditional houses, manor houses, chapels, mills, and pillories from northern Portuguese regions such as Trás-os-Montes and Minho, showcasing typical rural architecture and gardens.
Portuguese Monuments AreaMid-20th century
An area dedicated to miniature replicas of the most representative monuments from across Portugal, illustrating the country's architectural heritage.
Overseas Provinces PavilionLate 1950s
This section reconstructs ethnographic and monumental representations of Portuguese overseas provinces such as African countries, Brazil, Macau, India, and East Timor, surrounded by native vegetation and including the Azores and Madeira archipelagos.
Visitor Center and Sundial2003
Opened in 2003, the visitor center supports pedagogical activities and events, designed by architect João Paulo Revez Conceição, along with a sundial as a landmark feature.
Contact
Phone: 239 801 170
