Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra

The Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe, laid out in the eighteenth century as part of the reform of the university. Its terraces, shaded walks and greenhouses hold collections from around the world, in the heart of the historic city.

A garden of the Enlightenment

The garden was created in 1772, during the reforms of the Marquis of Pombal, to support the teaching of botany and medicine. It was later enlarged and reorganised, and today it forms part of the University of Coimbra’s World Heritage site.

What to see

• The formal terraces and the historic layout of the garden.
• The tropical greenhouses, with plants from warm and humid climates.
• Collections of trees, palms and medicinal plants.
• The bamboo grove and the quieter corners of the garden.

Visiting the garden

The garden is in the centre of Coimbra, close to the university’s main buildings. Opening hours and tickets are published on the official website, so check before your visit.

Visitor information: uc.pt/jardimbotanico.

Image credit: Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra, by Hugo Ferreira, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.