Jardim Botânico

The Jardim Botânico, in Coimbra

The Jardim Botânico of Coimbra is one of the finest gardens of the country, founded in the eighteenth century for the university. The Coimbra audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this haven of greenery, rich in species from all over the world, wanted by the Marquis of Pombal.

The botanical garden of the university

Often cited among the finest gardens of the world, the Jardim Botânico of Coimbra was founded in 1774, at the request of the Marquis of Pombal, this former secretary of State whose clairvoyance and organisational talents deeply marked the history of Portugal. The ground, occupied two centuries earlier by Benedictine monks, was metamorphosed under the plans of the Italian botanist Domenico Vandelli, who then taught at the university. Attached to the institution, this garden had a scientific and pedagogical vocation, allowing the study of plants. Laid out in terraces, it deploys fine paths, staircases, fountains and a large greenhouse, and shelters a remarkable collection of species from all over the world, including majestic trees and exotic species brought back by the navigators. A haven of freshness, calm and knowledge, the Jardim Botânico is an enchanting stop of Coimbra.

What to see

Here you stroll in one of the finest gardens of the country, founded in 1774 at the request of the Marquis of Pombal and designed by the botanist Domenico Vandelli, laid out in terraces with its paths, its fountains and its large greenhouse, rich in a remarkable collection of species from all over the world, including majestic trees and exotic species. The Jardim Botânico is a haven of greenery of Coimbra. It is an enchanting stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Jardim Botânico lies near the university, in Coimbra, reachable on foot. It is an open-air garden, generally freely accessible according to its hours; certain parts, like the greenhouse, follow their own conditions. The promenade is particularly pleasant in fine weather.

Who founded the Jardim Botânico of Coimbra?

It was founded in 1774 at the request of the Marquis of Pombal, on a ground previously occupied by Benedictine monks, and designed by the Italian botanist Domenico Vandelli; attached to the university, it shelters species from all over the world.

Where is the Jardim Botânico of Coimbra?

Near the university, in Coimbra, in Portugal.