Estufa Fria is Portuguese for Cold Greenhouse, and this nature park/horticultural museum is one of the most important natural attractions to be found in the City of Lisbon. Originally designed as an experiment in nurturing exotic plants, Estufa Fria has become a major tourist attraction in recent years. Estufa Fria houses a huge selection of plants from all over the world, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in Europe.
The term “cold greenhouse” may be a little confusing for some people. It does not mean that the greenhouse is chilled in any way; it simply means that this is a standard glass greenhouse, but no heating system has been installed. In the winter, temperatures are allowed to drop inside the greenhouse, although wooden slats are used to cover the structure to keep some warmth inside. Additionally, in the summer months the same slats are used to block the sunlight, keeping the greenhouse at a cooler ambient temperature than a tropical greenhouse. The strips are used, instead of shutters or a full cover, so that light may still filter through.
Although Estufa Fria is a cold greenhouse, there is a small area set aside for tropical plant life, which is heated during the winter. The selection of plants in the heated section is quite small, but intriguing none the less. Plants to be found include coffee, and rare strains of bananas.
Outside the greenhouse proper is a well-manicured garden, which features a large fresh water fish pond and plenty of wildlife. Many animals roam freely, including species indigenous to Portugal as well as more exotic breeds including parrots, peacocks and turtles.
Highlights of Estufa Fria
It is hard to settle on particular highlights of Estufa Fria, as there is simply so much of interest. However, there is one section of the greenhouse which stands out simply due to its uniqueness.
The small “sweet” greenhouse, which is only around 400 square metres in size, houses an incredible collection of cacti and succulents. The most charming aspect of the sweet greenhouse is not the plants themselves, although they are quite lovely. It is the way they have been used to create a spectacular natural environment. The plants are used to set off a number of small lakes, waterfalls and other features, very much like a Japanese garden, but set out entirely using cacti and succulent plants. A very tranquil area of the museum, and one which is kept warm throughout the year, a great place to unwind in the cold winter months.
Estufa Fria for Families
Estufa Fria is a great option for families. The children will no doubt enjoy the gardens and diverse wildlife, whilst the adults can explore the exotic plant life housed within the cold greenhouse.
Estufa Fria Opening Times
The park opens at 7am daily, until the late evening. The greenhouse itself opens at 9am and closes at 7pm each day.
Getting to Estufa Fria
Estufa Fria is located at:
Parque Eduardo VII
Lisbon
There are several local busses which pass close by, and these include the numbers 36, 44, 45 and 46.
The closest metro station is Marquês de Pombal and the closest rail station is Sete Rios.
