Botanical Garden of the University of Lisbon and National Museum of Natural History and Science

The Garden

Cities are full of cars, noise, pollution, and stress. Nature is needed for me to know that there is more than noise and confusion in life. Cities usually have big parks to give this to citizens. Lisbon has lots of them, and I have been convering some, yet this is the first true garden I cover that provided a full escape into nature, with only bird sounds and fresh air from the trees surrounding you. I talk to you about the Botanical Garden of the University of Lisbon.

This garden is very special, as it was created for the investigation and teaching of botany in 1859! All of its trees and plants are cataloged and have its name in a planck near to it, so people can know more about the species. Lakes are also part of it, and although it is an escape from the city, there are some parts where you can still see it. Yet, they do not disturb the quietness of nature.

The Museum

This botanical garden belongs to the University of Lisbon and is adjacent to the National Museum of Natural History and Science which has lots of exhibitions right now.

One of them is called "Plants and People", an exhibition about plants and their relation to humans. Plants are everywhere: they heal us, feed us, dress us, provide materials for objects and construction. Knowledge on the properties of these plants was passed on from generation to generation, through men of science as well as carpenters, ship builders, healers, and others with botanic understanding.

Some cool old school hats are also shown from different cultures. The last one reminds me of the ones I use!

Other exhibitions include the "Science and Natural Resources on the Deep Sea Floor", which is about the discoveries that have been made in the bottom of the ocean of valuable minerals and their economic importance. You can also see a recreation of a 19th century chemical laboratory, and various art exhibitions. All of them are shown in the list in the image!

The Truth

But even though the museum and the botanical garden offer all this information and education, my focus was on its nature. The building is very old, and its architecture takes me to a time I never lived in but have so much heard of. A different time, yet I do not know if only superficially.

As I arrive to the garden, I think of nothing. Birds pass by, trees, bushes and plants make the air so fresh you feel in another world. Nature plays its music, no more cars, no more people. And to see in the "People and Plants" exhibition all that healing power from plants and herbs, and to be surrounded by so many different species of them, one could see why nature heals, and one could feel it by breathing. The only thing that was missing in the museum was the part where you have to relax, and enjoy the moment, to make the most out of the medicine. I did it, while looking at the sky.

Check out my full article on Lisbon for more places and experiences like this!