Lisbon’s Gardens – Parks in Lisboa Estoril Coast

LISBON’S GARDENS:

Lisbon’s gardens are located in various areas of the city.  They  provide restful areas to contemplate the scenery. Kiosks serving drinks and snacks are part of the gardens.  Various species of trees, some quite old, grow in these parks.

Two of Lisbon’s gardens are located outside the Jeronimos Monastery in Belém and the Edward VII Park in central Lisbon. The Edward VII Park was named after a visit to Lisboa by King Edward VII in 1903. It was at the time of mayor Rosa Araújo.

Botanical Garden of Ajuda

The Botanical Garden of Ajuda (Jardim Botânico d’Ajuda) is located in the Calçada da Ajuda.  In the 15th century sailors left from here to discover the world. They returned from their voyages with exotic plants and trees. This became the ideal location for the garden, built by King José I in 1768, just after the 1755 earthquake. Imported species were the Casuavine Torlosa Aiton and Grevilea from Australia.  The Phytolacca Dioica came from South America. The Ulmaceau from Japan.  From the Canaries came the Dracaena Draco (dragontree) which is about 200 years old. There are benches to sit and relax or just enjoy the view of the 25th April Bridge and the sea. At the end of one side is a snack bar. The Jardim Botanico de Ajuda is open from 10am to 5pm.

The Estufa Fria and Estufa Quente – Cold and Hot Greenhouses

The Estufa Fria (Cold Greenhouse) is at the end of the Parque Eduardo VII. Built in an abandoned quarry in the early 19th century it had several alterations from 1910 onwards. Opened in 1933. This greenhouse has slats to allow air to freely circulate protecting it from rain and sun. Water flows from small streams providing perfect conditions for growing species from Europe, India, China, Africa and Australia. There are different levels with stepping stones, cascading streams and fish ponds.

The Estufa Quente (Hot Greenhouse) is within the Estufa Fria grounds.  Here you will see tropical plants, a Cactus Garden and waterfalls. A smiling Venus greets you from a clearing. Ferns, lotus flowers, agapanthus and azaleas are just some of the many species from South Africa, Japan and South America.  Palm trees were imported from Lord Howe Island.
The Estufa Fria is open from 9am to 5pm in the winter and 10am to 7pm in the Summer.

Estrela Gardens and Botanical Garden

The Estrela Gardens (Jardim Guerra Junqueiro) are located in the Estrela. Opposite the gardens is the  Estrela Basilica built in 1842.  A playground for children is located in one corner. One of the serene parks of the city to enjoy a  drink at the snackbar. The park is open from 7am.

The Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden) is in the Rua Escola Politécnica, 58. With an area of four hectares it is rich in gymnosperms and palm trees. You walk through the University of Lisboa to reach it. Species in this garden come from Mexico, Equador, Peru, Bolivia, Zimbabwe, South Africa. Pines, bamboo trees and the dragontree are just some of them.  The Botanical Garden is open from 9am to 5pm.

In the Parque das Nações you will find the Garcia da Orta Gardens and the Jardim da Água (Water Garden). There are seating areas and benches along the riverside.

ESTORIL COAST GARDENS:

In CASCAIS the Gandarinha Garden (known as Parque Marechal Carmona Garden), below, next to the Cascais Marina, has a café. 

 

 

 

Pat Rodrigues