Botanical  Garden  of  Padua

​By Dion Protani
Latest update: 9 January 2024
The Botanical Garden of Padua was established in 1545 which makes it the longest-standing garden of its kind. Situated close to the Prato della Valle piazza in the town of Padua in the Veneto region, it's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. 

Covering an area of just over two hectares, the garden still retains its original layout as well as some modern features added later. 
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The Botanical Garden of Padua, also known as Orto Botanico di Padova in Italian, is one of the oldest and most prestigious botanical gardens in the world. Located in the city of Padua, in the Veneto region of northern Italy, the garden has a rich history dating back to the Renaissance period.

​Established in 1545, it holds the distinction of being the first university botanical garden in Europe and has played a significant role in the study and preservation of plant species.
History
The garden was founded by the Venetian Republic on the initiative of the medical faculty of the University of Padua. Initially, it was created as a medicinal garden, primarily to study the properties and uses of various plants for medical purposes. The garden's layout and design were inspired by the Renaissance idea of a hortus conclusus (enclosed garden), with geometrically arranged beds and paths.

Over the centuries, the garden has expanded and evolved, becoming a center for scientific research, education, and plant conservation. It has been an influential institution in the development of modern botanical studies, and many famous botanists and scientists, such as Andrea Cesalpino and Carolus Clusius, have worked and studied there
Key features
  • Botanical Diversity: The Botanical Garden of Padua is home to an impressive collection of plant species from around the world. The garden is divided into different sections, each representing a specific geographic area or type of vegetation, such as the Mediterranean greenhouse, the Alpine garden, and the tropical greenhouse.
  • Medicinal Plants: The garden continues its original purpose of studying medicinal plants, and visitors can explore the historical section dedicated to medicinal herbs and plants used in traditional medicine.
  • Ancient Well: One of the highlights of the garden is the ancient well, known as the Pozzo di Galileo (Galileo's Well). It is believed that the famous scientist Galileo Galilei used this well to conduct some of his experiments.
  • Historic Architecture: Visitors can admire the Renaissance architecture of the garden, including the Botanical Theater, an amphitheater-like structure used for educational purposes and plant observations.
  • Guided Tours: Guided tours are available for visitors, providing insights into the history, scientific significance, and ecological importance of the botanical garden.
  • Educational Programs: The garden offers educational programs and workshops for students and researchers interested in botany and plant sciences.
​Visitor information
  • Location: Via Orto Botanico, 15, 35123 Padua PD, Italy
  • Opening Hours: The garden is generally open to the public from Monday to Sunday, with varying hours depending on the season. It is recommended to check the official website for current opening times.
  • Admission Fee: There is an admission fee to enter the garden, but discounts are available for students, seniors, and groups.
  • Accessibility: The garden is wheelchair-accessible, and there are designated paths for easy navigation.
Orto Botanico di Padova
City: Padua

Province: Padua

Region: Veneto

Established: 1545

​​​​​Architectural style: Renaissance

Close by: Prato della Valle, Basilica di Sant'Antonio, Piazza Erbe

​Recommended accommodation: Hotel al Prato
​UNESCO World Heritage Site

Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua

​Year: 1997

Botanical  Garden  of  Padua​  Gallery

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