"In the 18th century, Quinta de Santa Cruz underwent major transformations, with the monastery's woodland being landscaped, which would give rise to Parque de Santa Cruz, later popularised as Jardim da Sereia."

Among them, the Monastery of Santa Cruz stood out, with its vast territory extending across the Ribela Valley, surrounding the Alta hill as far as Celas. The Manga Cloister Garden is the heir to this complex, remaining as a curious example of the numerous convent cloisters that dotted the city.

In the 18th century, Quinta de Santa Cruz underwent major transformations, with the monastery's woodland being landscaped and giving rise to Parque de Santa Cruz, later popularised as Jardim da Sereia. Also in that century, the city also saw the emergence of the Botanical Garden, designed as a complement to the study of natural sciences at the University. Its design was part of the process of modernisation and secularisation of higher education, introduced by the Marquis of Pombal.

After the abolition of religious orders in 1834, the convent walls gave way to new urban spaces and gardens, such as Avenida Sá da Bandeira and Parque Dr. Manuel Braga, among others. This period thus witnessed the emergence of the first public green spaces.

The 20th century brought new growth to the city, accompanied by the creation of new green spaces that began to incorporate a multifunctional aspect. An example of this is the Parque Verde do Mondego, located along both banks of the river.