Lisbon’s Estufa Fria

An exotic hidden gem in the heart of Lisbon

21 28 May

10:00 — 18:00

Parque Eduardo VII

* Self-guided visit

Pets are not allowed.
The access is limited, on a first-come, first-served basis, without prior registration.
This is an entirely free event.

This garden is open daily and can be visited (upon payment) independently of the festival's programme.

When Avenida da Liberdade was inaugurated in 1885, it was necessary for its trees to go through an acclimatisation process. A nearby basalt quarry, no longer in use due to excess water, was the perfect environment for a small nursery.

At the beginning of the new century, all eyes turned to World War I. By then the plants were established and a new green space had been born. In 1926, the architect and painter Raul Carapinha designed a large greenhouse that was finished in 1933. In 1978, two new sections opened, Estufa Quente and Estufa Doce, expanding the botanical collection that includes plants from all over the world.

The large collection of ferns, begonias, banana trees, strelitzias, and palm trees is an invitation to an immersive experience of tropical jungle exuberance.

Related activities

21 28

11:00

Workshops

Yoga at Lisbon’s Estufa Fria

The philosophy of Yoga teaches us that we are a whole; that I am no different from you nor from nature. The practice of yoga helps us understand, in a more conscious way, the profound connection between the biological cycles of our bodies and cycles in the natural world. Take up this irresistible invitation from Ana Manuel Mestre to join a group yoga lesson in Lisbon's Estufa Fria.

Conducted by: Ana Manuel Mestre
Location: Lisbon’s Estufa Fria
Meeting point: Estufa Fria entrance

For ages 12 and above
Capacity: 20 people
Duration: 60 minutes

Registration not required. Places are available on a first come, first served basis.

* We request that each participant bring their yoga mat. There will be a tea tasting at the end of the session.


21 28

15:00

Guided Visits

Lisbon’s Estufa Fria Guided Visit

Hidden in the heart of Lisbon, away from the hubbub of the city, there is a beautiful botanical collection waiting to be discovered. Three greenhouses that replicate specific climates, resulting in a space of high biodiversity full of curiosities and stories waiting to be told. Join this visit guided by Lisbon's Estufa Fria team and learn about the many plant species that have come from all over the world, from Japan to Mexico.

Conducted by: Lisbon’s Estufa Fria team
Location: Lisbon’s Estufa Fria

For all ages
Capacity: 20 people
Duration: 120 minutes

Registration not required. Places are available on a first come, first served basis.


21 28

16:30

Guided Visits

Reconnect – Artistic Experience with Plants

The experience 'Religar' ('Reconnect') by the artist Evgenia Emets, which takes place at Lisbon's Estufa Fria, centers on a range of plants that have important ecological, cultural and spiritual significance in their places of origin, and whose meaning and sphere of influence extends beyond that place of origin. This experience is part of Eternal Forest, a multidisciplinary artistic project connecting artists, scientists and others interested in the themes of ecology and biodiversity, with the aim of raising awareness about protecting natural spaces. 'Religar' takes the public on an immersive, contemplative walk through the Estufa Fria, with the invitation to be in the presence of each plant: through poetry and the telling of stories we enter the deep listening space of plants as they communicate their messages and their essence. The experience also includes a ceremony and an intuitive practice of being with plants, followed by a session of reflection and drawing-writing.

Conducted by: Evgenia Emets
Location: Lisbon’s Estufa Fria

For ages 16 and above
Capacity: 20 people
Duration: 90 minutes

Registration not required. Places are available on a first come, first served basis.