Forget the endless queues for pastéis de nata or the crowds at the Jerónimos Monastery. Just a few meters away , there is a National Monument in the form of a ‘green lung’ that takes you on a journey to other latitudes without leaving Lisbon: the Tropical Botanical Garden.
Covering a total of seven hectares, this space is home to more than 600 species from tropical and subtropical regions, making this garden a veritable ‘laboratory’ for those who appreciate the different charms of the world of flora.
From species from Asia to Latin America, not to mention the African continent, immersing yourself in the Tropical Botanical Garden is synonymous with breathing fresh air, but also with coming into close contact with species from (almost) all over the globe.
Different environments in one place
Right at the entrance, we are greeted by the Alameda das Washingtonias, a group of giant palm trees that create a visual corridor that is, to say the least, Instagram-worthy. Another spot worth visiting is the Macau Garden, which welcomes us with its traditional arch, lakes with water lilies, and red bridges .
In a moment of pure immersion, the silence is broken by the croaking of frogs or the cry of colorful peacocks. But botany fans will find even more reasons to fall in love here, such as rubber and coffee trees, or even the Ilha das Fruteiras (Fruit Island), where papayas and bananas grow in the heart of the Portuguese capital.
In addition, the Calheta Palace stands out in the space belonging to the Tropical Botanical Garden . Although it is not always open, it is worth passing by to appreciate the contrast of its pastel pink façade with the deep green of the araucarias and fig trees.
A brief history of the Tropical Botanical Garden
Lisbon’s mild climate and its location south of the Tagus River estuary make this place a true green oasis in the heart of the capital. Classified as a National Monument since 2007, its history dates back much further than this.
In fact, the Tropical Botanical Garden was officially created on January 25, 1906, by Royal Decree, and in 1912 it was transferred from the Estufas do Conde de Farrôbo to the ‘Cêrca do Palácio de Belém’, where it remains to this day.
However, the first steps in the construction of this green lung of Lisbon were taken even earlier than that. In other words, the property on which this space stands dates back to the 18th century, resulting from successive acquisitions by King João V.
Unknown to many tourists, the Tropical Botanical Garden is a century-old place that continues to deserve a special place in the heart of Lisbon, serving as the perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. Among palm trees and guava trees, take a book, enjoy the silence, and travel the world without leaving the capital!
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