Today, botanical gardens are widespread throughout Europe and the world. But at one point, there were no botanical gardens in existence. To go from zero botanical gardens to the countless gardens we have currently, one garden had to be the first.
The oldest botanical garden in Europe is called the Orto Botanico di Pisa. However, the original year in which this garden opened is the subject of debate. While some sources state that the garden opened in 1544, others claim that it opened as early as 1543. Regardless of which date is correct, Orto Botanico di Pisa maintains its title as the oldest botanical garden in Europe.
A doctor and botanist from Imola named Luca Ghini was the first to call for the creation of this garden. With the help of Cosimo I de’ Medici Orto, Ghini was able to create this botanical garden along the Arno River. However, that original location did not last long.
Just 20 years after this garden’s inception, Ghini’s pupil, Andrea Cesalpino, changed its location. Then, in 1591, the garden moved again as Giuseppe Casabona relocated it to its current location near the Piazza Dei Miracoli.
The original purpose of the Orto Botanico di Pisa was to serve as a place to study all aspects of plant life. In fact, Orto Botanico di Pisa has held a strong association with university education since its inception. Today, the University of Pisa carries on this tradition as it is the institution responsible for maintaining the garden’s many features.
The Orto Botanico di Pisa includes seven distinct sections, each of which plays on a different botanical theme. Those seven sections include the botanical school, the cedar garden, the myrtle garden, the greenhouse area, the Del Gratta Garden, the Piazzale Arcangeli, and an area called the new garden. Each of those sections includes numerous scientific displays and collections, including unique plant specimens, endangered plant species, plant-related artwork, rare plant seeds, and some informative horticultural journals.
Not only is the Orto Botanico di Pisa famous for its historical components, but it also boasts some impressive statistics. For example, it includes more than 3,000 plant species, including some ancient ginkgo trees that have grown on the premises since 1787. The garden is also home to several ponds, fountains, and a library. Another noteworthy aspect of this garden is the iron-framed hothouse, which is one of the oldest remaining structures of its kind in all of Italy.
The massive quantity of plants and insightful horticultural knowledge is the product of several hundred years of work. Over the past few centuries, those who run the Orto Botanico di Pisa have continued to cultivate and collect numerous fascinating plant species. That effort has allowed the Orto Botanico di Pisa to remain a prominent source of botanical wisdom to this day.
However, while Orto Botanico di Pisa is the oldest botanical garden in Europe, it is not without some stiff competition. As a matter of fact, many people make the mistake of believing that another Italian botanical garden is the oldest. The Botanical Garden of Padua is also quite old, having been established in 1545, but falls just short of the Orto Botanico di Pisa by one or two years.
Despite not being the oldest botanical garden, the Botanical Garden of Padua remains impressive as it has undergone minimal changes to its layout during its long history. If you visit this garden today, you’ll find that it has the same original layout that existed in 1545. That layout consists of a circular central garden area with a ring of water surrounding it.
Like the Orto Botanico di Pisa, the Botanical Garden of Padua continues to serve its original purpose as a place of education and scientific research. Unlike the Orto Botanico di Pisa, the Botanical Garden of Padua is in its original location, which is why many consider it to be the oldest of all botanical gardens. What’s even more remarkable about this garden is its collection of plant species. Currently, the Botanical Garden of Padua is home to more than 6,000 species, which is about twice as many as the Orto Botanico di Pisa.
While there are many botanical gardens in Europe, none can claim to come before the Orto Botanico di Pisa. Since 1543, or 1544 depending on the source, this garden has been a consistent place of learning for all who are interested in the captivating world of plant life.