Terra Nostra Park
In its own language: Parque Terra Nostra
A historic botanical garden and thermal pool in Furnas, Azores
Terra Nostra Park is a botanical garden in Furnas, on São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal. Visitors find a wide range of plants, winding paths, and a large thermal pool with mineral-rich water, all set in a landscape shaped since the late 18th century.
- Features a large iron-rich thermal pool for bathing
- Founded in 1780 by Thomas Hickling
- Covers about 12.5 hectares of gardens and woodland
- Home to plants from several continents
- Located in Furnas on São Miguel Island, Azores
What is Terra Nostra Park?
Terra Nostra Park covers about 12.5 hectares and features a mix of gardens, wooded areas, and a large thermal pool. The grounds include winding paths, water gardens, flower beds, and shaded alleys. The thermal pool, filled with iron-rich water, is a highlight, surrounded by mature trees and stonework. Visitors can explore both formal plantings and more natural areas, with a variety of imported and native trees and shrubs.
The history of Terra Nostra Park
The park began in 1780 when Thomas Hickling, then the United States Consul on São Miguel, built his summer house, later called Yankee Hall. Over the 19th century, the grounds expanded under the Viscondes da Praia and the Bensaude family, who added gardens, water features, and new plantings. By the 1930s, Vasco Bensaude further developed the park, working with a Scottish gardener, and the site reached its current size. Trees and plants from several continents were introduced during these years.
What there is to see
The park is laid out with a mix of formal gardens, forested sections, and water features. The thermal pool, built in the late 18th century and enlarged in 1935, is set among stone carvings and a ring of araucaria trees. The grounds are maintained with both native and introduced plant species, and paths lead visitors through different garden areas, caves, and avenues.
When to go
Terra Nostra Park is open to visitors year-round. People come to walk through the gardens, enjoy the scenery, and bathe in the warm, mineral-rich thermal pool. The park is also known for its romantic atmosphere and is a popular destination for tourists exploring the Azores.
Why Terra Nostra Park matters
The park is recognized as a romantic-style botanical garden and is considered a key attraction in the Azores. Its history reflects influences from both Portuguese and international gardeners. The thermal pool and the lush plantings are central to its identity, and the site has played a role in local tourism for many decades.
Questions people ask about Terra Nostra Park
Where is Terra Nostra Park located?
Terra Nostra Park is in Furnas, a town on São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal.
What is special about the thermal pool?
The thermal pool contains naturally warm, iron-rich water and is open for bathing. It was first built in 1780 and enlarged in 1935, surrounded by stonework and mature trees.
What can visitors see in the park?
Visitors can explore formal gardens, wooded areas, water gardens, flower beds, and the large thermal pool. The park also features winding paths and a variety of trees and shrubs from around the world.
When was Terra Nostra Park established?
The park was established in 1780, beginning with a summer residence built by Thomas Hickling.
How did the park develop over time?
The park expanded during the 19th and 20th centuries, with new gardens, water features, and imported plants added by successive owners and gardeners.
Good reading and sources
- Terra Nostra Park on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Terra Nostra Park", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Opening times, prices and bloom dates change: check with the place before you travel. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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