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Jardim Botânico da Ajuda, Lisboa

Jardim Botânico da Ajuda, Lisboa

This was the first botanical garden ever created in Portugal. Built by the Marquis of Pombal and designed by the Italian botanist Domingos Vandelli, in the grounds of the Palácio da Ajuda in 1768, covering 3.8 ha. It assembled over 5, 000 species of plants and allowed the study of the varied vegetation found in Portugal and the overseas territories. Expeditions were sent to Angola, Brazil and Cape Verde to collect seeds and plants.

 

On the upper level, are King José’s ponds and tree garden with myriad examples of tropical flora. On the lower, a baroque box garden with a central pond, nurseries and herbs. It provides a unique view of the Tagus amid species from all over the world. There are some magnificent trees, which include a Dracaena draco, a Ficus microcarpa and a Ficus macrophylla, a Schotia afra and a Ocotea foetens from the original planting.

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Location, Jardim Botânico da Ajuda
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