Jardim Botanico

About

The Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, affectionately known as Jardim Botânico, is a verdant oasis that stretches across 13 hectares at the foot of the historic Coimbra city centre. Designed in the 18th century and expanded over the centuries, the garden offers a unique blend of formal European landscaping, tropical greenhouses, and a sweeping arboretum. It serves not only as a refuge of botanical splendour for visitors, but also as an active teaching space for students of the University of Coimbra’s Faculty of Sciences and Technology. A stroll through the garden invites you to view distinguished collections such as the Victoria amazónica — a striking giant water lily that has earned international acclaim — and a wide variety of endangered tropical species housed in climate‑controlled greenhouses. The arboretum, locationally known as the Mata, showcases a magnificent bamboo forest and diverse eucalyptus species, providing an immersive escape into the natural world while still keeping the historic layout of perennials and ornamental trees. Beyond plant collections, the garden’s educational mission is evident through clearly labelled plaques, interactive displays, and a library, herbarium and small museum that narrate the botanical history linked to the university. For culture‑hunters, the landscape is framed by architectural elements that echo the university’s heritage, making the garden a tranquil backdrop for photos and a living classroom for generations of students and tourists alike.

Highlights

• Victoria Amazónica
• Tropical Greenhouses
• Arboretum (Mata)
• Central Square

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