Parque de Santa Cruz

Parque de Santa Cruz in Coimbra, popularly known as the Jardim da Sereia ("Mermaid Garden"), is a historic park in the heart of the city, right by Praça da República. It began as a monastic garden and is now one of the calmest places in town for a break between the university hill and the lower city.

How did the park begin?

In 1131 the land was handed to the Augustinian canons regular, who set up a farming estate tied to the Santa Cruz monastery. Its biggest transformation came in the 18th century. Between 1723 and 1752, on the initiative of prior Gaspar da Encarnação, the former Quinta da Ribela was reshaped into a leisure garden. It gained a court for pela, an old ball game, and a Baroque garden meant for rest and contemplation.

What happened after the religious orders were dissolved?

After the orders were suppressed in 1834, the estate passed through several owners. The last private one was Commander José António L. Ribeiro. In 1885 Coimbra's city council bought it and opened it to residents as a public park for strolling and relaxing. Since 1970 the park has held Imóvel de Interesse Público status, a level of heritage protection in Portugal.

What is there to see?

The entrance from Praça da República passes three statues representing Faith, Charity and Hope, and the path ends at a cascade. Climbing the steps brings you to the Fonte da Nogueira, decorated with a triton sculpture whose mouth pours water into the fountain. That figure gave rise to the popular "mermaid" name.

Why visit?

• It sits in the centre, so it pairs easily with a visit to the nearby Santa Cruz monastery.
• The Baroque layout and water features feel like another era.
• It offers green space without leaving the historic core.

Frequently asked questions

Are Parque de Santa Cruz and Jardim da Sereia the same place? Yes. Jardim da Sereia is the popular name, tied to the fountain figure.

Where is the entrance? The main entrance is from Praça da República.

Is the park a protected monument? Yes, it has been classed as Imóvel de Interesse Público since 1970.

Who created the garden in its present form? The Baroque layout dates from the 18th century, driven by prior Gaspar da Encarnação.

Since when has it been public? Since 1885, when Coimbra's council bought the estate.

Check current opening hours with the city tourist information before you go, as they may vary by season.