Lisbon’s Enchanting Botanical Garden’s 130th Anniversary
Lisbon’s Botanical Garden is 130 years old today. Actually it its 150 years old, since it was originally planned in 1858 and the first trees planted in 1873. Its opening to the public however, was only on November 11, 1878.
With beaches so close by, people in Lisbon spend little time in the city’s parks and gardens when compared to other Europeans. That’s too bad for them because the city does hide some wonderful green oases, and the botanical garden is just one of them. It is found right in the center of the city, although a reason why it doesn’t get many visitors may be that most people don’t know where it is. Although its entrance is in the Principe Real neighborhood right outside Bairro Alto, it’s easy to overlook its gate surrounded by buildings facing a busy street. But once inside, they’ll step into what is Lisbon’s most enchanting garden.
Unlike the city’s Tropical Garden, or even the greenhouse of Edward VII Park, this botanical garden shows some clear signs of neglect. Somehow, though, that gives it a rather special atmosphere, as of an enchanted forest in a fairytale. Trees branch out and twist is all sorts of directions as if straight out of “The Lord of the Rings,” shading a wonderful collection of subtropical vegetation from all over the world.
To commemorate the 130th anniversary, a number of sculptures will be placed around the garden and there will be workshops to discuss biodiversity and conservation of plants. There are plans to bring new life to the garden, so while you may not be in Lisbon for the 130th anniversary, there could be something special going on during your visit as well. But if not, you can always simply enjoy what you could likely see as your own personal little garden of Eden in Lisbon.
