Attraction Guide: Portugal dos Pequenitos, Coimbra, Portugal

Portugal dos Pequenitos Guide

Step into a Miniature World: Portugal dos Pequenitos Guide

Portugal dos Pequenitos, or "Portugal for the Little Ones," is a unique and enchanting theme park located in Coimbra, Portugal. It's a whimsical world where everything is built to a child's scale, allowing visitors to feel like giants exploring a miniature version of Portugal and its former colonies. From iconic Portuguese monuments and traditional houses to replicas of overseas territories, this park offers a delightful and educational experience for all ages. The park was conceived by Bissaya Barreto and inaugurated in 1940. Its primary goal was to provide a playful and educational environment for children to learn about Portuguese history, architecture, and culture. The park is divided into three main sections: the Portuguese Houses, representing different regions of Portugal; the Monumental Portugal, showcasing scaled-down versions of famous landmarks; and the Overseas Territories, featuring representations of former Portuguese colonies. Over the years, it has become a beloved national landmark, attracting families and tourists from around the globe. Visitors can wander through the tiny streets, marvel at the miniature buildings, and explore the various exhibits. Children can enter the small houses, climb the miniature monuments, and learn about the history and culture of Portugal in an engaging and interactive way. The park also features playgrounds, gardens, and a small train that takes visitors on a tour of the grounds. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition directly tied to the park, Coimbra itself offers delicious regional cuisine, including *leitão à bairrada* (suckling pig) and *arroz de cabidela* (rice cooked in chicken blood).