Jardim Botânico da Ajuda

Ajuda Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico da Ajuda) in Lisbon is the oldest botanical garden in Portugal. It sits on a hillside in the Ajuda district, on Calçada da Ajuda, facing the Ajuda National Palace. Today it belongs to the University of Lisbon and is run by the Instituto Superior de Agronomia. It is a quiet counterpoint to the busier sights of central Lisbon, and one of the few places where you can still read an eighteenth-century scientific plan in the landscape.

What is the garden's history?

The garden was founded in 1768 on the initiative of King Joseph I, during the Marquis of Pombal's government. Species were chosen by Domenico Vandelli, a naturalist from Padua and a pupil of Linnaeus, who also served as the first director. Manuel Caetano de Sousa laid out the terraces, staircases and ponds. Plants were gathered from Portugal's overseas territories in Brazil, Africa and Asia for study and acclimatisation. Much of the collection was lost after the French invasions of 1808, and the garden opened to the public only after the Republic was proclaimed in 1910. It is classified as a Property of Public Interest and appears in the national heritage inventory (SIPA) under entry 9867.

What will you see?

The grounds cover about 3.5 hectares on two levels.

• The lower terrace is symmetrical, with box hedges around a central pool and fountain. It is the most formal part and the best for photographs.
• The upper terrace was restored in 1993 to its original plan. Plant collections are arranged by geographic origin in separate sections.
• A dragon tree of roughly 400 years is a highlight and a rarity among European botanical gardens.
• The collection holds more than 1,600 plant species and varieties.
• A scent garden was designed for visually impaired visitors, so plants can be touched and smelled.

How do you get there?

The address is Calçada da Ajuda, close to the Ajuda National Palace. From central Lisbon the easiest option is tram 18, which runs through Belém and Ajuda, or a city bus; check current routes in a transit app. From Belém it is a short but uphill walk, so wear comfortable shoes.

When should you visit?

Spring and early autumn give the best light and mild temperatures, while in hot summer afternoons the tree shade matters. Allow one to one and a half hours for an unhurried walk with stops at the terraces and ponds. The visit pairs easily with the Ajuda National Palace across the street and the monuments of Belém. Opening hours and ticket prices change, so check jardimbotanicodajuda.ulisboa.pt before you go.

How is it different from the Príncipe Real botanical garden?

They are two separate gardens. Ajuda is older and historic, with an Enlightenment-era terrace layout. The Botanical Garden in Príncipe Real belongs to the National Museum of Natural History and Science, was founded in the nineteenth century and lies in another part of the city.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the oldest botanical garden in Portugal? Yes. It was founded in 1768 and is regarded as the country's oldest.

How long does a visit take? Usually one to one and a half hours if you walk both terraces and look closely at the collections.

Is the garden accessible to blind visitors? It has a scent garden created for people with visual impairments.

Can I combine it with other sights? Yes. The Ajuda National Palace stands opposite, and Belém, with the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, is nearby.