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Lisbon Estufa Fria, a beautiful gem in Parque Eduardo VII
I have lived in Lisbon for some time, but one place that remained a mystery to me for a while was Estufa Fria at Parque Eduardo VII. I often walked around there, and I heard about the greenhouse at some point, but I could never see the building.
As you can see, Estufa Fria greenhouse is a true hidden gem. When I found it, I finally went to see it, and it became one of my favourite gardens in Lisbon. It is a glasshouse with several smaller greenhouses filled with exotic plants, greenery, flowers, and succulents. I now come to this beautiful place regularly in any season!
If you want a moment in nature in the big city, visiting the garden in the middle of Parque Eduardo VII is more than worth it! In this guide, I will share what you can expect, how to get there, and what there is to see.
Estufa Fria is loved by locals, kids and tourists alike. Are you a garden lover? Then, be sure to add the site to your Lisbon itinerary!
An overview of Estufa Fria in Lisbon, Portugal
What is Lisbon Estufa Fria?
Estufa Fria is a botanical garden situated within Parque Eduardo VII. The “Cold Greenhouse” is a real hidden gem not visited by many. So, if you try to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the place to be!
Also, the greenhouse is perfect for enjoying the shadow and stunning plants on hot days. It’s a small oasis in the heart of Lisbon, so take advantage of the chance to experience this charming and lesser-known attraction!
The history of Estufa Fria Lisbon
In the past, the location of the greenhouse was actually a basalt quarry. However, the quarrying activities stopped due to a water stream, and the site was abandoned. At this point, a visionary gardener had the idea of cultivating various botanical species in the area. Unfortunately, the plans were temporarily put on hold due to the onset of World War II.
When painter and architect Raul Carapinha (1876-1957) stumbled upon the former quarry in 1930, he transformed the space into a greenhouse. After three years of dedicated work, the Estufa Fria greenhouse opened its doors to the public.
Nowadays, we can enjoy beautiful greenery and colourful flowers from all over the world. In 1975, Estufa Quente (Warm Greenhouse) opened her doors. Here, you’ll discover a captivating array of tropical and equatorial plants.
What to expect when visiting Estufa Fria?
Estufa Fria is not just one glasshouse. The complex consists of three different ones and covers about half an acre. You can admire the sculptures, succulent plants, flowers, and cacti along the paths. The gardens contain many waterfalls, statues, and ponds between the vegetation.
You’ll discover more than 300 different species, and even though you’re in the centre of Lisbon, it’s a quiet heaven to enjoy a bit of nature to the fullest. Let’s take a closer look room by room.
Estufa Fria
The name Estufa Fria (Cold Greenhouse) comes from the fact that this greenhouse doesn’t use a warming system. The wooden slats on the roof can be regulated and protect the plants from cold temperatures in winter and heat in summer.
It’s the perfect climate for plants and trees from China, Mexico, Australia, Peru, Brazil, etc. The cold greenhouse is the largest space in the garden, and in some areas, you’re entirely surrounded by greens.
You will find some bridges, more statues and a small lake. There is also a door to the outside lake where you can see birds swim in the water.
Estufa Quente
On the other hand, the Estufa Quente (Warm Greenhouse) has glass roofing and, therefore, higher temperatures. You can discover coffee plants, mango trees, bananas, and tropical plants in this hot greenhouse!
There are some stairs to the higher levels of the garden, which offer stunning views of the complex.
Estufa Doce
The smallest greenhouse is Estufa Doce (Sweet Greenhouse), where you can find cacti, such as Aloe cactus, and many succulents.
Where is Estufa Fria located?
You can find the greenhouses of Estufa Fria in the upper part of Parque Eduardo VII. Miradouro Parque Eduardo VII is just around the corner, as well as Monumento 25 de Abril.
The easiest way to Estufa Fria is by metro. The nearest stations are on the blue line, the Marquês de Pombal and Parque stations. From both stations, it’s a short walk to the greenhouses.
If you prefer to travel by bus, you can take lines 12, 22, 36, 44, 702, 720, and 745. They all stop near the entrance of Estufa Fria and Parque Eduardo VII.
Estufa Fria tickets
The Estufa Fria entrance fee is only € 3,60 per person. Parents must always accompany children, and children under six can see the gardens for free.
You can buy the tickets at the entrance, and there is no need to order them in advance. You can see the garden on Sunday for free until 2 PM.
🌵 You can also enter Estufa Fria for free with the Lisboa Card!
Opening times Estufa Fria Portugal
The greenhouse is open daily; the last admission is 30 minutes before closing. In summer, Estufa Fria is open from 10 AM until 7 PM (after the last weekend in March). In winter, opening times are between 9 AM and 5 PM (from the last weekend in October). The Estufa Fria is closed on January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.
Other gardens in Lisbon
Lisbon is a pretty green city with many more parks to explore. After visiting, you can walk around Parque Eduardo VII. Or head over to Jardim da Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian for a chill picnic in the park. Remember to see the Gulbenkian Museum!
If you prefer botanical gardens, it’s worth visiting Jardim Botânico de Lisboa in Príncipe Real or Jardim Botânico Tropical in Belém. Check out this easy guide to finding all the green areas in Lisbon!
FAQ
Where is Estufa Fria in Lisbon?
Estufa Fria is hidden away in the western area of Parque Eduardo VII. The nearest road is Rua Castilho, or you can enter Estufa Fria using your GPS to find its exact location.
Is visiting Estufa Fria worth it?
Lisbon Estufa Fria is certainly worth it if you love hidden gems, a moment in nature in the big city, and lots of green. You can visit the sweet Estufa Doce, the hot greenhouse Estufa Quente, and the cold Estufa Fria.
How long do I need for my visit to Estufa Fria?
Estufa Fria is not very large, but you can visit several greenhouses in the garden. If you are fast, 30 minutes might be sufficient, but most visitors will stay around 1 hour.
Can you get married in Estufa Fria?
Yes, there is an option to have your wedding in Estufa Fria. The large indoor building offers a space for rent with views of the garden. Learn more about how to get legally married in Portugal!
Conclusion
Cities can be hectic, and Lisbon is no exception. But if you want to spend some time in nature, there are many options available in Lisbon. Estufa Fria, inside Eduardo VII Park, is one of them. It is a beautiful complex of glasshouses filled with tropical plants, flowers, and cacti.
For a moment of rest, the place is a true paradise. Besides, Estufa Fria is the perfect hidden gem in Lisbon! I love coming here, thanks to the peaceful atmosphere, and I am glad I finally found it! It’s never too busy, and the species you’ll see are wonderful in any season.
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