Museum
Portugal dos Pequenitos
Located in the heart of Coimbra, Portugal dos Pequenitos is much more than a children’s playground; it is a magical space that combines education, history and fun, attracting visitors of all ages since its inauguration in 1940.
Conceived by renowned doctor and professor Bissaya Barreto and designed by talented architect Cassiano Branco, the park was born from a vision that integrates Portuguese heritage in a creative and playful way.
Since its opening on 8 June 1940, Portugal dos Pequenitos has earned a place in history as the country’s first theme park.
Its construction began in 1938, with a
first phase that revealed structures representative of regions such as Trás-os-Montes and Minho, crafted with detail and respect for local traditions.
A space designed to promote cultural and tourist knowledge, it serves as a gateway to the imagination of ancient and contemporary Portugal.
The park is divided into several themed areas that offer distinct and enriching experiences.
The first of these, the ‘Regional Houses’, presents a collection of typical dwellings, shaped by the architectural features of different Portuguese regions, many of them designed based on Raul Lino’s models and with internal details that make the visit even more realistic.
In the centre stands the statue of the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, by the sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida, reinforcing the link between history and culture.
Next, the ‘Monumental Portugal’ area brings together architectural icons of the country on a reduced scale, organised to reflect their actual geographical position.
This area reveals the mastery of architect Cassiano Branco, who skilfully manipulates volumes and dimensions to create a unique visual display. The stonework craftsmanship of Master Valentim de Azevedo further enriches this impressive setting.
The ‘Portugal and the World’ section pays tribute to the presence of Portuguese culture beyond borders, featuring themed pavilions representing Portuguese-speaking countries, India and Macau.
Each space tells stories of local traditions, biodiversity and architecture.
These pavilions are distributed in this area according to the oceans that bathe the countries represented here. At the beginning of the visit, we find the countries bathed by the Indian Ocean and, at the end, by the Atlantic Ocean.
Next to them are the ‘Archipelagos’, Madeira and the Azores, with details of the most emblematic monuments of these island regions.
Large lakes around them represent the Atlantic Ocean, while a world map illustrates historical sea routes, with a statue of Prince Henry the Navigator, the driving force behind the epic Age of Discovery.
Access to this area consists of a floor depicting a Cross of Christ, where each of its arms leads visitors to the spaces represented here.
The section dedicated to Coimbra reinforces the city’s importance in the context of the park.
Here, there are replicas of the city’s historical monuments, as well as references to the University of Coimbra, a symbol of Portuguese knowledge and culture.
As the founding city and guardian of the Portuguese language, Coimbra occupies a special place in the country’s history, and is also the resting place of the first kings of Portugal, Afonso Henriques and Sancha de Portugal.
As the founding city and guardian of the Portuguese language, Coimbra occupies a special place in the country’s history and is also the resting place of the first kings of Portugal, Afonso Henriques and Sancho I.
For leisure time, Portugal dos Pequenitos offers areas dedicated to recreational activities, with spaces for traditional games and shaded areas ideal for picnics.
An environment that stimulates creativity and family bonding, which remains in the memory of those who visit it.
Visiting Portugal dos Pequenitos is a unique experience of learning, fun and pride in national culture.
A space that enchants, educates and preserves traditions, leaving an unforgettable mark on the memory of those who experience it.
A true journey through time on a smaller scale.
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