Tapada da Ajuda
In Alcântara and Ajuda, the former royal hunting park: about 100 hectares of parkland, wild olive forest and gardens.
Tapada da Ajuda – Instituto Superior de Agronomia
The Tapada da Ajuda, the former Tapada Real (royal hunting park), covers some 100 hectares between Alcântara and Ajuda, enclosed by a wall that has protected it over the years from the temptations of urban development. It belongs to the Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA) of the University of Lisbon and is classified as a Property of Public Interest. It works as a university campus and is one of the largest green spaces in the city, with sports grounds, cycle paths and walking routes. The facilities open to the public include a botanical reserve internationally recognised for its unique wild olive forest, the Jardim da Rainha and the Jardim da Parada, the Stone Amphitheatre and the Exhibition Pavilion. On the hillside lies the 3.5-hectare Jardim Botânico da Ajuda, which has belonged to the ISA since 1910 and follows Renaissance models, with terraces cut into the slope, sculpted stone, plants and water in fountains and ponds. Pedestrians and cyclists may enter freely through the gate on Calçada da Tapada. The ISA does not publish gate opening hours, so it is advisable to check with the Institute before visiting.
Located at: Instituto Superior de Agronomia
Address: Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa
Opening hours: Free entry for pedestrians and cyclists; gate opening hours not published (check with the ISA)
Phone: +351 213 653 100
Coordinates: 38.70615, -9.18002
Buses: 760, 738, 73B, 724, 714, 727, 742, 751, 756, 720
Tram: 18E, 15E
Train: Cintura Line, Alcântara-Terra Station, Cascais Line, Alcântara-Mar Station
