Cold Greenhouse

Category: Nature > Greenhouse

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Avenidas Novas

Location

The Estufa Fria is harmoniously integrated into Eduardo VII Park, one of the largest green spaces in the heart of Lisbon. Situated in the Avenidas Novas area, its position in the city offers an environment of tranquility and contact with nature, away from the urban hustle and bustle. The site provides a serene setting, ideal for a relaxing stroll and for appreciating the capital's surrounding landscaped scenery.

A Botanical Oasis

This unique space is a vast complex of greenhouses, divided into three distinct environments, each housing a remarkable collection of flora. The main section, known as the Cold Greenhouse (Estufa Fria), is covered by a wooden slatted roof that naturally regulates temperature and light, creating ideal conditions for species such as vibrant azaleas and camellias, originating from various parts of the world. The Hot Greenhouse (Estufa Quente), in turn, transports visitors to tropical climates, with plants like coffee trees and mango trees, while the Sweet Greenhouse (Estufa Doce) presents a fascinating variety of cacti and succulents, including aloe.

The diversity of over three hundred meticulously maintained species offers an immersive experience in the plant kingdom, allowing visitors to discover the beauty and adaptability of plants in different ecosystems.

History and Architecture

Opened in 1933, the Estufa Fria was the result of a visionary project by architect Raul Carapinha. Interestingly, the site where this botanical garden now stands was once a basalt quarry, whose exploitation ceased with the discovery of a water spring. This geological particularity contributed to the creation of a unique environment.

Over the years, the space evolved. In the 1940s, it underwent significant renovations, which included the construction of a lake at the entrance and a large central nave. Later, in 1975, the botanical complexity was expanded with the addition of the Hot Greenhouse (Estufa Quente) and Sweet Greenhouse (Estufa Doce) sections. The Estufa's artistic heritage is enriched by statuary works by artists such as Soares Branco, Leopoldo de Almeida, and Pedro Anjos Teixeira, and the entrance portico is a project by architect Francisco Keil do Amaral, elements that add cultural and architectural value to the complex.

An Environment of Serenity

In addition to its botanical richness and historical value, the Estufa Fria invites visitors on a tranquil journey through winding paths, small lakes, and waterfalls that create a relaxing and immersive atmosphere. The murmur of water and the light filtered through the leaves and the wooden slats contribute to a sense of peace and escape, making each visit a comforting experience. It is a place where nature reveals itself in full exuberance, providing a remarkable contrast to the dynamic city that surrounds it.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt