Visit Ajuda Botanical Garden, Lisbon
If you are planning to visit the Ajuda Botanical Garden in Lisbon, here is everything you need to know.
Visit
As you approach from the Royal Palace of Ajuda and the Royal Treasury, the Ajuda Botanical Garden will be on your left. Step inside by purchasing an adult ticket for €2 at the small on-site ticket office, preferably in cash, as the Lisbon card is not accepted. You’ll be given an English brochure complete with a garden map. As you take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, remember to respect the local bird life by refraining from feeding or disturbing them.
This garden is truly a beautiful and unique gem, making it an essential stop, particularly if you’re already exploring the Royal Palace and the Royal Treasury. After you’ve finished exploring the garden, you’ll find it convenient to continue your journey to the Jerónimos Monastery, whether on foot, by tram, or via bus.
Background
Commissioned by King José I, the Royal Botanical Gardens, holds the distinction of being Portugal’s very first botanical garden. Established in 1768 on four hectares of land adjacent to the Royal Palace, this garden served as both a leisurely retreat for the Royal family and also an educational space for the King’s grandsons.
The garden boasts a picturesque view of the river’s south bank, with the upper terrace dedicated to a remarkable botanical collection and the lower terrace adorned with fountains and statues. Various staircases and balustrades provide access to the garden’s terraces. Since 1910, this captivating garden has been accessible to the public, inviting all to discover its charm and historical significance.
Botanical Garden
The lower terrace of the garden boasts an impressive four kilometers of meticulously sculpted boxwood and myrtle hedges, arranged in intricate geometric patterns. These hedges are interspersed with fragrant rosebushes and seasonal flowers. At the heart of this lower terrace stands a grand Baroque-influenced fountain, flanked by two smaller ones. With approximately 1,100 species from 150 plant families, the garden’s architecture follows a Renaissance design, featuring terraces harmoniously carved into the hillside.
Moving to the upper terrace, you’ll discover a diverse collection of plants from around the globe, thoughtfully categorized into phytogeographical regions, including South America, Australia, New Zealand, the Macaronesia Region, Central and Atlantic Europe, China, Japan, Central and North America, the Mediterranean region, and Africa.
Since 1910, the Ajuda Botanical Garden has remained an integral component of the Technological Support Unit at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, which is under the ownership of the University of Lisbon.”
Restauration
Between 1993 and 1997, work was made to restore the wide-ranging botanical collection. Flowerbeds were made on the upper terrace after an old garden plan, and a secret garden was made on the former vegetable plot.
Tickets
€2 adults
€1 students and over 65s
€5 family (2 adults and 1-3 children or young people up to 18 years old)
Free – under 6 years old
Opening times
April and Oct
Weekdays: 10am-5pm, Weekends:10am-6pm
May to Sep
Weekdays: 10am-6pm, Weekends:10am-8pm
Nov to March:
Every day: 10am-5pm