Lisbon Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico de Lisboa)

The Jardim Botânico de Lisboa is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Lisbon's Príncipe Real neighborhood. Established in 1878 as part of the Polytechnic School (now University of Lisbon), this four-hectare scientific garden was designed to support botanical teaching and research. The site has a rich history dating back over 400 years, when a Jesuit college occupied Monte Olivete hill (1609-1759). The garden's creation in the mid-19th century was spearheaded by professors Conde de Ficalho and Andrade Corvo, with the first plantings beginning in 1873. German gardener Edmund Goeze designed the upper 'Classe' section, while French gardener Jules Daveau created the lower 'Arboreto.' These pioneering gardeners collected an extraordinary diversity of plants from Portuguese territories around the world, showcasing Portugal's colonial reach. The garden's design brilliantly adapts to Lisbon's climate and topography, featuring winding pathways, terraced beds, cascading water features, ponds, and bridges connecting different garden sections. Today, the garden houses over 18,000 plant species representing flora from six continents, with particular emphasis on tropical and subtropical species from Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and South America. Notable collections include more than 30 species of palms, rare cycads (living fossils), carnivorous plants, medicinal herbs, aromatic plants, and a unique butterfly house - the only one open to the public in Europe. Declared a National Monument in 2010, the garden continues its scientific mission of plant conservation, biodiversity research, and environmental education while providing visitors with a serene escape from urban Lisbon's bustle.