Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra
Coimbra
The Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, established in 1772 by the Marquis of Pombal, is one of Europe's most beautiful botanical gardens spanning 13 hectares. It serves both educational and scientific purposes, supporting botany students and researchers with extensive plant collections, including exotic tropical species and a notable arboretum. The garden is divided into two parts: a formal terraced upper section featuring the Central Square with 18th-century European garden design elements, and a valley arboretum with dense exotic vegetation, a bamboo forest, and a large collection of eucalyptus species. It houses greenhouses cultivating tropical and subtropical plants like Victoria cruziana. The garden also shelters local fauna such as the brown squirrel, introduced in the 1990s. Over centuries, it has been enriched by prominent botanists who expanded its collections, modernized facilities, and promoted international seed exchanges. The garden remains integral to the University of Coimbra's Department of Botany, including a library, herbarium, museum, and laboratories, reflecting its historical and scientific significance.
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Tip: Visit during spring and early summer for optimal plant displays and pleasant weather. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended to fully appreciate the garden's scientific and historical context. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The garden is accessible via public transport and has facilities to support visitor comfort.
Interesting facts
- •The garden was founded in 1772 by the Marquis of Pombal as part of university reforms.
- •It occupies 13 hectares and is considered one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Europe.
- •The garden includes a bamboo forest and a collection of 51 eucalyptus species.
- •It hosts the brown squirrel species introduced in 1994, which has thrived in the ecosystem.
- •The Victoria cruziana, a giant water lily, is one of the garden's most admired plants.
- •The garden's Index Seminum was once ranked among the world's top six for seed variety and scientific rigor.
History
Founded in 1772 as part of the University of Coimbra's reforms under the Marquis of Pombal, the garden was initially supervised by Domingos Vandelli and later by Félix Avelar Brotero, who expanded it in the early 19th century.
In the late 19th century, under Júlio Henriques, the garden intensified plant exchanges internationally and began scientific publications.
Luís Wittnich Carrisso further enriched the garden from 1918 to 1937, introducing many exotic African plants and modernizing the facilities.
Since 1997, the garden has organized guided and free visits, maintaining its educational and conservation roles.
Place Guide
Central Square (Quadrado Central)18th century
The oldest part of the garden featuring a formal European 18th-century style layout with a fountain from the 1940s and trees planted during Brotero's time, such as Cryptomeria japonica and Erythrina crista-galli.
Order Beds
Taxonomically grouped plant beds used for botanical education and international seed exchange, supporting the garden's scientific functions.
Greenhouses
Facilities cultivating tropical and subtropical plants under controlled temperature and humidity, including the notable Victoria cruziana water lily.
Arboretum (Mata)
The valley section of the garden with dense exotic tree vegetation, a bamboo forest, and a large collection of eucalyptus species, including a notable Ficus macrophylla specimen.
Contact
Phone: 239 855 215
