The University of Coimbra Botanical Garden... - Secret World

Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portogallo

by Karen Blixen

The University of Coimbra Botanical Gardens are located in the historical centre of the city, on one of the slopes of the right bank of the river Mondego. It is the largest botanical garden in Portugal and dates to 1773; The beginning of the work was under the direction of Domingos Vandelli (1735-1816), who presented a proposal for a layout very similar to the Garden of Padua. However, only one part of his project was built, the terrace that was called “the square”, on the slope of the grounds of the Benedictine convent.Its landscaped pathways, flowerbeds, plants, and trees are delightful to explore and it really is one of the most attractive gardens in Europe. Home to over 1200 different species of plants and trees, you can find eucalyptus growing next to bamboo and coral trees, among others.