Jardim Botânico do Porto

Jardim Botânico do Porto is a botanical garden set within the city, on the grounds of the former Quinta do Campo Alegre estate, also known as Casa Andresen. Since 2015 it has belonged to the Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP). It is a calm green refuge, ideal when you want a break from sightseeing on the busy streets.

How did the botanical garden come about?

In 1895 the estate was bought by João Henrique Andresen, a Porto wine merchant. He restored the gardens and gave them the romantic style that dominated the period. The Andresen family produced two well-known writers, Sophia de Mello Breyner and Ruben A. The latter lived at Quinta do Campo Alegre, and his memoirs are an important record of life on the estate.

The State took over the property in 1949 and turned it into a botanical garden in 1951. A year later it became the Dr. Gonçalo Sampaio Botanical Institute and Laboratory, led by Professor Américo Pires de Lima. This brought a major enrichment in plant species, and during the 1950s and 1960s modern garden spaces were created. The best known is the Xisto (Slate) Garden, designed by Franz Koepp.

What can you see in the garden?

The garden is organised into themed areas. On the upper level you will find a garden of xerophytic plants with cacti and other succulents. There are also three greenhouses: cacti, tropical plants and orchids. The cacti greenhouse holds the giant water lily Victoria, a source of particular pride for the garden's director.

Smaller, more intimate corners are worth seeking out too: the succulent garden, the slate garden, the garden of the fish and the bronze boy, and the Jota Garden. The last one preserves the initials of the former owners, Joana and João Andresen, grandparents of Sophia and Ruben A.

Casa Andresen and the Gallery of Biodiversity

The wine-coloured facade of Casa Andresen greets visitors at the start of the tour. In 2017 the Gallery of Biodiversity opened inside, as part of MHNC-UP. It belongs to the Ciência Viva network and is devoted to life on Earth, evolution and biodiversity, so you can pair a walk through the garden with a natural science exhibition.

Practical information

• Opening hours: daily 9:00-18:00, and from April to October 9:00-19:00. Closed on 1 January and 25 December.
• Phone: +351 220 408 727.
• Coordinates: 41.1533 N, 8.6431 W.
• Visiting: individually or on guided visits for groups. Activities for different audiences are also organised, including hands-on sessions for younger visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Is the garden open every day? Yes, it operates all week except 1 January and 25 December. From April to October it closes at 7 pm.

Who runs the garden? Since 2015 it has been part of the Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Porto.

What should I see first? The cacti, tropical and orchid greenhouses, the Slate Garden, and Casa Andresen with its Gallery of Biodiversity.

Is there anything for families with children? Yes, the garden runs various activities, including hands-on ones for younger visitors.