Famous Botanical Gardens in Italy [Back]

Italy's rich botanical heritage is showcased through its numerous botanical gardens, which serve as centers for conservation, research, and public education. These gardens offer visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse array of plant species, reflecting the country's commitment to preserving its natural flora and fostering environmental awareness. Here are some of the most notable botanical gardens in Italy:

Orto Botanico di Padova

Established in 1545, the Orto Botanico di Padova, located in Padua, is the world's oldest academic botanical garden still in its original location. Covering approximately 22,000 square meters, it was initially created for cultivating medicinal plants for university studies. The garden features a geometric circular design, housing notable historical plants such as an ancient palm tree favored by Goethe, ginkgo and magnolia trees, and a large swamp cypress. The garden's layout remains true to its 16th-century design by Andrea Moroni.

Giardini Botanici Hanbury

Located in Ventimiglia, the Giardini Botanici Hanbury, also known as Villa Hanbury, are major botanical gardens operated by the University of Genoa. Established in 1867 by Sir Thomas Hanbury, the gardens span 18 hectares and feature approximately 2,500 taxa, including collections of agaves, aloes, and salvia. The garden's design incorporates Mediterranean climates from around the world, showcasing species such as Araucaria cunninghamii, Casimiroa edulis, and Pinus canariensis.

Orto Botanico dell'Università di Siena

Established in 1588, the Orto Botanico dell'Università di Siena is a botanical garden operated by the University of Siena. Covering 2.5 hectares, it features collections arranged in systematic order within brick-bordered, rectangular flower beds, along with old specimens of exotic and local plants. The garden also contains three greenhouses enclosing a total of about 500 square meters, housing tropical species, succulents, and carnivorous plants.

Orto Botanico "Pania di Corfino"

Situated in the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park near Villa Collemandina, the Orto Botanico "Pania di Corfino" was established in 1984 to preserve indigenous flora of the Apennine Mountains, Garfagnana valley, and Apuan Alps. The garden reproduces environments typical of the region, including heath, hills, moor, pasture, and scree, and contains about 400 varieties of plants as well as botanical specimens and fossils.

Giardini La Mortella

Located on the island of Ischia, Giardini La Mortella was created by Susana Walton and showcases Mediterranean and tropical flora across multiple terraces. The garden is a prime spot for garden lovers, offering a diverse collection of plants and scenic views.

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