Arboretum

Built in the 50s, under the supervision of the illustrious botanist, Professor Abílio Fernandes, the Shade House is home to the flora typical of humid and shade environments. The plants are surrounded by a wall cascade and a stream flowing through its grounds. One can also admire a contemporary statue, called “Botânica”, a female nude by the sculptor Martins Correia, symbolizing the Science of Plants.

Introduced in the Garden in 1852, Phyllostacys bambusoides is the bamboo species that is best adapted to the Garden, covering a total area of one hectare (close to 2.5 acres). Here we can also find the St. Benedict’s Chapel, initially a 17th century ‘casa de fresco’ (coolhouse), transformed into a place of prayer by the Benedictines.