Known as the city of seven hills, Lisbon is a blend of modern metropolitan architecture and lush green spaces. Amidst the large shopping malls and cobbled streets, you'll find manicured parks and gardens that invite you to take a peaceful stroll. As you explore the intricacies of the city, Lisbon's green retreats are the perfect place to unwind.
Let's look at three breathtaking natural spaces scattered around the heart of Lisbon that speak to the nature lover in all of us.
Botanical Garden Estufa Fria
Deeper into Eduardo VII Park along the north side is this enchanted garden. What was once a 19th century quarry has been transformed into an exotic botanical collection of flora and fauna that transports you to another world. Here you can not only appreciate statues by Portuguese authors, but there are also three gardens under a 1.5-hectare greenhouse.
Sculptors such as Domingos de Castro Gentil Soares Branco, Leopoldo de Almeida and Pedro Anjos Teixeira have their works on display in the gardens. Designed by Raul Carapinha and inaugurated in 1933, the Estufa Fria has evolved into a national symbol of environmental awareness and diversity. The next gardens were opened in 1975 with plants from equatorial regions such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Guatemala and Madagascar.
The Cold Greenhouse (Estufa Fria) is 8,100 square meters. Its name comes from the innovative heating and cooling method that uses wooden slats instead of mechanical heating to maintain the plant's temperature. Inside are some of the most remarkable azalea and camellia flowers in the world. You'll also find plants from Australia, Brazil, Korea, Mexico and Peru. The Hot Greenhouse is smaller, at 3,000 square meters, and houses the coffee flower, including Coffea arabica, which is found in East Africa, as well as the Mangifera plant, also known as the cashew plant. Finally, the Sweet Greenhouse is mainly home to succulents such as cacti and aloe.
Thanks to its waterfalls, thriving plant species and artificial lake, the Cold Greenhouse has the unique distinction of being a living museum. Various insects, birds and fish call this place home, so keep an eye out for the varied wildlife. During the summer, the greenhouse is open from 10am to 7pm, and from 9am to 5pm during the winter. On public holidays and Sundays, you can visit the area for free.
The Edward VII Park
Start your trip at the top of Parque Eduardo VII, the city's huge public garden with a breathtaking view. Covering 25 hectares, the park is a tribute to King Edward's visit to Lisbon in 1903. The geometric, manicured shrubs guide you to a bird's eye view of the city, especially Marquês do Pombal Square and the Tagus River. Before King Edward's visit, the area was known as Parque da Liberdade, and has been a rest stop for Lisboners for over a century.
At the top is a monument commemorating the Carnation Revolution of 1974, on April 25th. This military coup overthrew the authoritarian regime and led to Portugal's eventual transition to democracy. The current design is attributed to Francisco Keil do Amaral, an architect who redesigned the park to match his vision of Portuguese modernism.
If you're lucky enough to be visiting Portugal in June, you'll also discover the Lisbon Book Fair, the city's biggest literary celebration. Lasting a week and based in Parque Eduardo VII, this fair highlights international and Portuguese literary culture. From limited edition books to charming vintage literature and new discoveries, it's a paradise for avid readers. The books are mostly in Portuguese, but popular editions of well-known books are offered in English.
No lado oposto do parque, encontrará o Pavilhão Carlos Lopez, um edifício que destaca a mundialmente famosa expertise em azulejos de Portugal. Originalmente projetado para a Expo Rio de Janeiro de 1922 no Brasil, ele cresceu em importância nacional depois que o seu nome foi alterado para celebrar o maratonista português Carlos Lopes, que ganhou o primeiro ouro de Portugal nas Olimpíadas de 1984. O exterior ornamentado e elaborado complementa os toques brilhantes de vegetação e, uma vez lá dentro, é presenteado com um local adequado para uma série de encontros atléticos, artísticos, culturais e políticos.
The Jardim Da Estrela
Finish your urban exploration with a stroll through the Jardim Da Estrela, also known as the Star Garden. Opposite the sculptural Basílica Da Estrela is this lush and refreshing park known as a sanctuary for Lisbon residents since construction began in 1842. Modeled after a classic English romantic garden, there is plenty to enjoy. In the center of the garden is a beautifully crafted wrought iron gazebo where bands play live music, filling the park with the sounds of summer. Built in 1884, the original site of the bandstand was the Passeio Público, where it stood until 1936, when it was moved to the park.
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Throughout its 4.6 hectares, you'll find a serene lake full of carp, wading ducks and various resting spots. Along the lake, beds of vibrant flowers bloom, and nearby there is a quaint café serving food and drinks for those in need of refreshment. Thanks to the manicured lawns and outdoor seating, it's the perfect place for a weekend picnic, a date or a family reunion. The park's benches are strategically placed throughout the grounds, most often under the waving Jacaranda, Araucaria and Dragoeiro trees for maximum relaxation.
Be sure to look out for the charming little green kiosk. This “Garden Library” is a cozy and locally loved place with a unique selection of books that is well worth checking out. For art lovers, the park hosts a design and art exhibition on the first weekend of every month. Enthusiasts can buy creations from a wide selection of Portuguese artists who display their handicrafts. Even if you have no plans to do anything, Jardim Da Estrela is the perfect place to “people-watch” for those who want to pass the time. The park is open every day from 7am to midnight, but most of the traffic occurs at the weekend, when Lisbon residents come with family and friends to enjoy their free time.
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