Cities
Portugal Coimbra Central Park

Parque de Santa Cruz

About

Parque de Santa Cruz, commonly known as Jardim da Sereia, is one of Coimbra’s most charming green spaces, offering a peaceful escape just steps from the city’s academic heart. Created in the 18th century by the Monastery of Santa Cruz, the park blends Baroque design with natural beauty, featuring grand gateways, ornamental fountains, and tree‑lined paths that invite slow, reflective walks. At its centre stands the iconic Mermaid Fountain, which gives the garden its popular name and adds a touch of mythic elegance to the landscape. Shaded groves, quiet benches, and open lawns create a welcoming atmosphere for students, families, and travellers alike. With its harmonious mix of history, art, and nature, Parque de Santa Cruz remains a beloved retreat where Coimbra’s cultural heritage meets everyday tranquillity.

Coimbra Portugal
Parque de Santa Cruz
Location

Parque de Santa Cruz is located at BR Sousa Pinto on the edge of Praça da República in Coimbra's upper town (Sé Nova parish), also known as Jardim da Sereia. This 18th-century Baroque garden, originally part of the Santa Cruz Monastery estate, features a grand pórtico entrance, cascading fountains with azulejo panels, the iconic tritão statue earning its mermaid nickname, winding paths through lush greenery, and a central circular lake, all offering serene views over the avenue and city. Nearby attractions include the Aqueduto de São Sebastião and Jardim Botânico just uphill, Escadas Monumentais and Science Museum, the University of Coimbra Alta district with Paço das Escolas and Sé Nova, lively cafés on Rua Larga and Praça da República, and downhill paths to Mosteiro de Santa Cruz, Baixa shops, and the Mondego River.

Museu Nacional Machado de Castro Museu Nacional Machado de Castro Museum Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra Museum UC Exploratório - Centro de Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra UC Exploratório - Centro de Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra Museum Academic Museum of the University of Coimbra Academic Museum of the University of Coimbra Museum Edifício Chiado - Museu da Cidade de Coimbra Edifício Chiado - Museu da Cidade de Coimbra Museum Casa‑Museu Miguel Torga Casa‑Museu Miguel Torga Museum Museu da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Coimbra Museu da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Coimbra Museum Sister Lúcia's Memorial Sister Lúcia's Memorial Museum Erotic Art Museum of Coimbra Erotic Art Museum of Coimbra Museum Museu Botânico Museu Botânico Museum Cabinet of Curiosities Cabinet of Curiosities Museum Museu do Instituto de Anatomia Patológica Museu do Instituto de Anatomia Patológica Museum Teatro Académico de Gil Vicente Teatro Académico de Gil Vicente Theatre Teatrão – Oficina Municipal do Teatro Teatrão – Oficina Municipal do Teatro Theatre Centro de Arte Contemporânea de Coimbra Centro de Arte Contemporânea de Coimbra Gallery Paço das Escolas Paço das Escolas Palace Old Cathedral of Saint Mary of Coimbra Old Cathedral of Saint Mary of Coimbra Cathedral New Cathedral of Coimbra New Cathedral of Coimbra Cathedral Mosteiro de Santa Cruz Mosteiro de Santa Cruz Church Igreja de Santiago Igreja de Santiago Church Igreja de São Bartolomeu Igreja de São Bartolomeu Church Igreja de Santo António dos Olivais Igreja de Santo António dos Olivais Church Aqueduto de São Sebastião / Arcos do Jardim Aqueduto de São Sebastião / Arcos do Jardim Historical Landmark Porta e Torre de Almedina Porta e Torre de Almedina Historical Landmark Torre de Anto Torre de Anto Historical Landmark Pedro e Inês Footbridge Pedro e Inês Footbridge Bridge Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra Botanical Garden Parque Verde do Mondego Parque Verde do Mondego Park Parque Dr. Manuel Braga Parque Dr. Manuel Braga Park Portugal dos Pequenitos Portugal dos Pequenitos Tourist attractions Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra Observatory