Notable Botanical Gardens and Arboreta in Croatia [Back]
Croatia's botanical gardens and arboreta play a significant role in preserving plant diversity and offering serene environments for education and recreation.
Trsteno Arboretum
Located in the village of Trsteno near Dubrovnik, the Trsteno Arboretum is the oldest arboretum in this part of the world, dating back to the late 15th century. Established by the noble Gozze family, it features a historic Renaissance garden, an aqueduct built in 1492, and two ancient Oriental Plane trees over 500 years old. The arboretum covers approximately 25.5 hectares and showcases a diverse collection of Mediterranean and exotic plants.
Zagreb Botanical Garden
Situated in downtown Zagreb, this botanical garden was founded in 1889 by Professor Antun Heinz and opened to the public in 1891. It spans 5 hectares and is home to over 10,000 plant species from around the world, including 1,800 exotic ones. The garden features large ponds for aquatic plants and serves as a center for botanical research and education.
Opeka Arboretum
Located in the Vinica municipality of northern Croatia, the Opeka Arboretum was founded in 1860 by Count Marko Bombelles. Covering 65 hectares, it is the largest arboretum in Croatia and contains a vast collection of exotic and native plant species. The arboretum surrounds a historic manor and has been managed by the local Agricultural and Veterinary School since 1945.
Velebit Botanical Garden
Nestled within the Northern Velebit National Park, the Velebit Botanical Garden was founded in 1967 by Professor Fran Kušan. The garden is part of the Zavižan-Balinovac-Velika kosa botanical reserve, renowned for its rich collection of mountain flora species. Visitors can explore the garden via designated trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding Velebit mountains.