Portugal dos Pequenitos (Portugal of the Little Ones), Coimbra

Portugal of the Little Ones (Portugal dos Pequenitos) is a unique miniature park located in the parish of Santa Clara e Castelo Viegas in Coimbra. Established as an educational and cultural attraction, the park showcases diminutive versions of Portuguese houses, monuments, and landmarks, along with pavilions dedicated to Portugal's former colonies.

The park, conceived in 1938 by Fernando Bissaya Barreto with designs by Cassiano Branco, was developed in three phases. The first recreated traditional homes and landmarks from Tras-os-Montes and Minho. The mid-century phase added major Portuguese monuments. By the late 1950s, pavilions showcasing Portugal’s overseas provinces, as well as Azorean and Madeiran architecture, were introduced.

In 1959, Portugal of the Little Ones became part of the Bissaya Barreto Foundation’s heritage. In December 2003, a visitor center and sundial, designed by architect Joao Paulo Revez Conceicao, were added to enhance the park’s educational mission. A revitalization effort began in 2015, introducing more regional houses and Portuguese monuments to diversify the park's offerings.

Located on the left bank of the Mondego River, Portugal of the Little Ones is near major landmarks like the Santa Clara Monasteries and the Convent of São Francisco. The park has three thematic areas: Traditional Portuguese Architecture, featuring miniature noble houses and rural homes; Portuguese Monuments, with small-scale replicas of key landmarks; and Ethnographic Representations, showcasing Portugal’s former colonies, as well as monuments from the Azores and Madeira, enriched with native vegetation.

A blend of history, culture, and education, Portugal of the Little Ones offers visitors a charming and interactive way to explore Portuguese heritage in a uniquely compact form. It remains one of Coimbra’s most beloved attractions, providing an engaging experience for children and adults.