Perhaps because it is located in a corner of Ajuda, far from the main tourist routes, the Ajuda Botanical Garden is one of the oldest in the city.
If you’ve never visited, we recommend that you do so as soon as possible. If you already know it, this is one of those walks that is always worthwhile, isn’t it? In any case, you’re sure to be surprised by the curiosities we’ve found. Take a look at our list:
1 – Planted by the Marquis of Pombal in 1768, it is the oldest garden in Portugal and was designed by the Italian botanist Domingos Vandelli.
2 – It was built to serve as a museum and nursery for botanical species from all over the world, but also because King José wanted a garden to help his children study.
3 – Today, it has around 1600 plants from the most diverse origins, from South America to New Zealand, passing through Central Europe and Japan, spread over more than 3 hectares of garden.
4 – The oldest specimen is a dragon tree over 400 years old. This means that it existed long before the garden was founded 250 years ago.
5 – The garden, with terraces carved into the hillside, has an upper deck where the botanical collection is and a lower deck, like an ornamental walkway with box trees and a playground.
6 – One of the garden’s ex-libris is the Fountain of 40 Spouts, also known as the Fountain of Sn akes because it is decorated with a set of snakes.
In addition to these, there are also other animals (such as frogs, ducks and seahorses) and various mythological figures. The fountain is consecrated to Our Lady of Help because legend has it that the Virgin appeared there.
7 – The Aroma Garden, with aromatic and medicinal plants, was specially created for those who can’t see. As well as Braille signs, it also invites blind people to touch and smell the plants.
8 – The Olissiponense Garden has native plants from the Lisbon region, many of which are not very demanding of water.
9 – Several peacocks, some of them albinos, stroll around, attracting the attention of visitors to the garden.
10 – As well as the tranquillity and beauty of the garden itself, don’t forget to admire the views it offers, with the Tagus River in the background.
The Ajuda Botanical Garden is open every day except December 25th and January 1st.
Psst! Take a look at Lisboa Secreta’s video about the Ajuda Botanical Garden.