Category: Nature > Botanical Garden
District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra > Alta
Located in the city of Coimbra, in the area historically known as Alta, the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra extends across a hillside, integrating into the urban landscape with its vast green area. Its privileged location offers an environment of serenity, functioning as a green lung in the heart of the city. The surroundings are marked by historical and academic buildings, giving it a distinct atmosphere.
Founded in the 18th century, specifically in 1772, as part of the Pombaline reform of the University of Coimbra, the Botanical Garden was established with the purpose of supporting the study and research of natural sciences. It is a living testament to the Enlightenment and the importance given to botanical knowledge for the development of medicine, pharmacy, and agriculture. Since its creation, it has served as an open-air laboratory and a repository of biodiversity, maintaining an intrinsic link with the university institution.
The Garden houses a remarkable and diverse collection of plant species, originating from different parts of the world, organized into distinct sections. Among its most emblematic areas is the Arboretum, which displays large and centuries-old trees, some classified as living monuments. The magnificent Tropical Greenhouse, a 19th-century iron and glass structure, is one of its most striking architectural elements, housing collections of tropical and subtropical plants that require specific climatic conditions for their development.
Visitors can explore flowerbeds dedicated to medicinal, aromatic, and ornamental plants, as well as sections of indigenous flora. The diversity of colors, shapes, and aromas offers a rich sensory experience, inviting discovery and contemplation of the various forms of plant life. The maintenance and curation of these collections reflect continuous work in conservation and botanical study.
Beyond its botanical value, the Garden is also a work of landscape and architectural art. Its winding avenues, monumental staircases, and ornate fountains create harmonious paths that invite strolling and observation. The organization of spaces, perspectives, and decorative elements, such as stone benches and statues, contribute to its scenic beauty. The fence surrounding the Botanical Garden, composed of robust walls and elaborate gates, such as the imposing Phoenix Gate, not only delineates this natural and scientific heritage but also integrates harmoniously into the urban fabric of Coimbra's Alta, marking the entrance to a space of knowledge and tranquility.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardim_Botânico_da_Universidade_de_Coimbra
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.20578170303108,-8.421432747835855
Coordinates DMS: 40°12'20.8"N 08°25'17.2"W
Weather Coimbra
On-duty Pharmacy Coimbra
