Estufa Fria

Estufa Fria de Lisboa – Eduardo VII Park

Tucked into a slope of the Eduardo VII Park, the Estufa Fria occupies a former basalt quarry, abandoned because of the springs that welled up there, on ground that once held a lake. In 1912 the site began to shelter more delicate plants and, driven by Quirino da Fonseca, vice-president of Lisbon City Council, the project took shape under the painter and architect Raul Carapinha; the greenhouse opened to the public in 1933. Its name, the 'cold greenhouse', comes from the fact that the plants are not protected by any heating. In the 1950s it was joined by the Nave, designed by Edgar Cardoso. Owned and run by the city, the complex now covers 11,500 square metres, divided between the Estufa Fria, the Estufa Quente (hot house) and the Estufa Doce (succulent house), and holds more than 300 plant species. The route follows narrow paths among grottoes, streams and dense vegetation, which give the place an atmosphere at once wild and romantic, a short walk from Marquês de Pombal. Besides self-guided visits, there are guided and educational tours by appointment, and the Nave regularly hosts concerts, performances and other events. Opening hours change with the season, and last admission is half an hour before closing.

Located at: Estufa Fria de Lisboa
Address: Parque Eduardo VII, 1070-099 Lisboa
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-19:00 (summer hours; from the last Sunday in October, 09:00-17:00); last admission 30 minutes before closing; closed on Mondays, 1 January, 1 May and 25 December
Phone: +351 218 170 996
Coordinates: 38.7293, -9.1555
Buses: 713, 742, 702, 712
Tram: 24E
Metro: Parque (Blue), São Sebastião (Red, Blue)
Opened: 1933 (93 years)