Quiet, Hidden, Green Spot In The Heart Of Lisbon - Estufa Fria
Stressed out from all the sightseeing in Lisbon and feeling the urge to be surrounded by some green and peace? Then the Estufa Fria is for you! Right in the heart of Lisbon you'll find this massive greenhouse, providing the illusion to be wandering around a forest, and helping you recharge your batteries. This article was published first TODAY on our Lisbon Travel Blog.
We had been frustrated in our attempt to visit Lisbon’s Jardim Botânico, finding it closed for renovations. “Indefinitely”, as the bored girl behind the desk put it. But we had a back-up in mind: within the Parque de Eduardo VII is another botanic garden, called the Estufa Fria.
The Estufa Fria, or “Cold Greenhouse”, is comprised of three different areas, all protected from the elements by a large, permeable roof. It’s not really cold as in “refrigerated”; the name refers to the fact that it’s not artificially heated.
This greenhouse was built in 1933, in the first year of the Estado Novo, Portugal’s fascist dictatorship. I suppose that the first few years of dictatorship tend to be full of benevolent gestures. “Enjoy your new greenhouse, people of Lisbon! (Please don’t mind us tapping your phones.)” or “Tax cuts for everyone! (Please don’t mind us deporting immigrants.)” It’s how they sucker us in.
Regardless of its origins, the Estufa Fria is a curious and welcome addition to the Parque Eduardo VII. We happened to be visiting on a Sunday morning, when the entrance is free, and enjoyed our time here. The three zones are all lovely, and there are pools, statues, and a million different paths from which to choose.
Actually, when we entered the Estufa Fria, I had been under the baseless impression that this was a relatively new construction. I don’t know why. But after visiting, I wasn’t at all surprised to learn about the true age of the greenhouse. The park is certainly well cared-for, but even so, there’s a certain wildness and unpredictability to the growth that can only come with time.
I wouldn’t put the Estufa Fria anywhere near the top of the list of “Things to See in Lisbon”, but if you’re already in the area, or if you’re looking for a different kind of place to spend an hour, it might be worth checking out.
Doesn't seem like anyone else was there, even when it was free. The more I see of Lisbon, the more I like it. Are there jobs for English teachers there? I feel like a change.
The moment we left though, a huge group of kids was coming in. Perfect timing. Not sure, I know that Lisbon is extremely popular with foreigners right now, many of them looking for jobs. Maybe Valencia, Spain would be ok since many are looking to learn to speak English.
I've never been to Valencia, but it looks really nice, both historic and modern.
If you like check out our Valencia Blog... our favorite spot on earth.
Having a quick look now. The Battle of the Flowers parade looks fun.
Yes!!! So weird :) In the process to get a press access this year ...
That would be great for your photography. I used to live in Jersey in the Channel Islands. They have a Battle of the Flowers parade too, but the one in Valancia looks like a real battle.
Googled it ... it's different but looks like a lot of fun as well.
True!! Why did Lisbon seemingly pop in popularity out of nowhere? Was it all of your posts? lol
Lisbon gained popularity within the last 4 years or so. It's one of the biggest Digital Nomad cities in the world right now. A bit too much for us.
Yeah so many people from Chiang Mai said they're going there this summer
And I tell you which city will be next for Digital Nomads, people are already talking about it and many already arrived... VALENCIA, Spain!
Congratulations, Your Post Has Been Added To The Steemit Worldmap!
Author link: http://steemitworldmap.com?author=for91days
Post link: http://steemitworldmap.com?post=quiet-hidden-green-spot-in-the-heart-of-lisbon-estufa-fria
Want to have your post on the map too?
What a refreshing change... After a stroll through your post, I feel refreshed enough to move on! Love the angles you found on the various leaves and greenery, and that gif is something else! Cheers!! :)
So happy we could provide you with a little mini vacation!
Wow! that's very green indeed! Looks very cool! (or hot, rather... with the sun being hot as it can be in Portugal and glass roof it must be burning hot inside there!)
It wasn't actually too bad and I think in the summer time it would be refreshing too, tons of shade but the Estufa Fria is all open so wind blows through as well.
looks very comfortable and cool inside the garden... @for91days
Just WOW! Amazing place, I love the T-rex that pops out of nowhere! Beautiful plants of all types. Must have been a very pleasant visit! Great guys! Lisbon looks like a nice place! Cheers
The had some kind of dinosaur exhibition so these creatures popped up all over the place. Yes, Lisbon is great with tons of off the beaten path things to see and do.
This place looks like a great hangout spot on a rainy day. I haven't visited Lisbon yet, but planning to get there one day.
Lisbon is incredible but if you can go during spring / fall ... the summers are so overrun!
I'm glad it's not actually cold, because I probably wouldn't go there if it were