Botanical Garden of Ajuda

The Jardim Botânico da Ajuda is Portugal’s oldest botanical garden. Founded in the 18th century on the initiative of King D. José I, following the 1755 earthquake, it gained new life when the royal family moved into the neighbouring Palácio da Ajuda in 1862. It was here that Queen D. Maria Pia of Savoy, inspired by the Victorian spirit and a love of Nature, transformed this space into her favourite garden — a stage for walks, encounters and moments of serenity. Today it is one of the most beautiful historic gardens in the country and an invitation to rediscover the relationship between the Portuguese royal family and the natural world.