Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra

The Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra (Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra) is a green retreat in the heart of Coimbra, Portugal. Founded in the 18th century to serve one of Europe's oldest universities, it is at once a place for a quiet walk, a living plant collection and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How did the garden begin?

The garden was created in 1772 on the initiative of the Marquis of Pombal, as part of his reform of the university. It was established together with the Natural History Museum and intended to support the teaching of medicine and natural history. The site was chosen by the university's vice-chancellor, Francisco de Lemos: land in the Ursulinas Valley that had been part of the farm of S. Bento's College.

Medicinal plants were grown here alongside exotic species brought back from Portugal's overseas territories, so students could study living specimens instead of relying on drawings alone.

What is there to see?

The garden covers about 13 hectares. Its heart is the Central Square, the first area to be completed, in 1791. Around it you will find:

• the Systematic and Medical Schools, with 150 flower beds laid out for the study of distinctive botanical collections,
• a wooded area with mature trees that gives welcome shade on hot days,
• greenhouses, including the Cold Greenhouse (Estufa Fria), which reopened to visitors in November 2024.

Is it part of the UNESCO listing?

Yes. In 2013 UNESCO declared the University of Coimbra a World Heritage Site, citing its architecture, unique culture and traditions, and historical role, including the botanical garden.

What are the opening hours and ticket price?

Individual visits are free and need no booking. The garden is open from 9:00 to 20:00 in summer (1 April to 30 September) and from 9:00 to 17:30 in winter (1 October to 31 March). The Cold Greenhouse is free to enter and open daily, until 17:30 in winter hours.

Are guided tours available?

The university offers guided visits that must be booked in advance through its tourism office. The garden tour lasts about 1.5 hours and costs 10 euros. A separate tour of the Tropical Greenhouse lasts about one hour and also costs 10 euros. Bookings are made by email ([email protected]) or by phone.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the garden? In Coimbra, central Portugal, at coordinates 40.2056, -8.4227.

Do I have to pay to enter? No, individual visits are free.

How long should I plan for? The guided tour takes 1.5 hours; for a self-guided walk across 13 hectares, allow a similar amount of time.

Who runs the garden? The University of Coimbra, and since 2013 it has been part of the university's UNESCO listing.

When is the best time to visit? The garden is open all year, and in summer it stays open two and a half hours later than in winter, leaving more time for a walk in the long evenings.