See how Jardim Botânico do Porto springs to life at night! Join especially prepared night tours to this most unique garden in town

The Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto opened the Jardim Botânico do Porto for night tours, which last from 7th July till September. This is a not to miss opportunity to unveil the mystique of a garden's nightlife. 

These nocturnal escapes in Porto Botanical Garden will let visitors in the over 700 species of the camellia flower, alongside a rich and varied ecosystem.

Entrance is free, but prior reservation is mandatory.

The tours are arranged on a weekly basis and there are three types of tours; so, the "A vida à luz da lua" tour (aka Life under the moon) was on yesterday, 7th July, but there are still tours on 4th August and on 1st September. Tours always start at 9pm. Expect to see a great variety of flora and discover intense scents, and a visit to the Biodiversity Gallery.

The second invitation has to do with the "A vida à noite no jardim" ["Life at night in the Garden, free translation], and will lead to discover the multitude of fauna life in the Botanical Garden, namely insects, bats, birds and amphibians as well as nocturnal plants. Each session offers a specific topic, also; There are arranged sessions for 14th, 21th and 28th July, also on 11th, 18th and 25th August and on 8th, 14th, 22nd and 19th September. All sessions are scheduled for 9pm.

The third and last tour is themed "Os segredos de Vitória" ["Victorias's Secrets", free translation] and the goal is to share information on Victoria cruziana, a tropical species of flowering plant popularly known as the "The waterlily Queen". According to the museum, "this plant only displays its flowers one time of year, at night", so prepare to experience a one-time only event. The visits programme will be defined between the months of August and September.

Participation is free, but previous appointment is mandatory via email visitas@mhnc.up.pt, as capacity is limited to ten people per session.

+ info: See here the full programming

It is worth highlighting that Porto Botanical Garden was awarded the International Architecture Awards 2019 that recognises the excellence of Porto Botanical Garden rehabilitation

The rehabilitation project included the changeover of the Casa Andresen into a Biodiversity Gallery. The renovation project of the Botanical Garden of Porto - Natural History Museum and the Science of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP) was one of the winners in the category "Parks and Gardens" of the International Architecture Awards 2019, the largest and oldest annual public celebration of architecture at global level.

In total, the changeover meant that a gross construction area of 4 800 sqm was rehabilitated together with a garden area of about 48 500 sqm.

In addition, the rehabilitation project of Porto Botanical garden had already been nominated for the prestigious European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture - Mies van der Rohe Award 2019. Also, the renovation of the Casa Salabert, was granted an honourable mention in the João de Almada 2017 Award and won the National Award for National Regeneration 2016.