Parque Terra Nostra, Botanical garden in Furnas, São Miguel Island, Portugal
Parque Terra Nostra is a botanical garden on São Miguel Island in Portugal, designed with themed sections featuring palm trees, native plants, camellias, and ferns across its grounds. Wooded areas and water features are scattered throughout, creating a layered landscape experience.
The park was established in the late 18th century as a summer residence by an American diplomat and consul. This private estate became the foundation for the botanical destination that exists today.
The park blends Portuguese garden design with international botanical influences, reflecting how plants from different continents were brought together in one place. Visitors can see today how this diversity shapes the layout and creates distinct spaces that mirror distant ecosystems.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the pathways wind through varied terrain and include some slopes. The site has parking and dining options, making it convenient for a full-day visit.
At the center of the grounds is a natural thermal pool fed by warm mineral water that visitors can enter. The pool is ringed by stone carvings and ancient trees, offering an unexpected bathing experience within the botanical space.
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