Even at the end of October Pisa was hot, and tourists were still clustered around the Leaning Tower. The Pisa Botanical Garden was the perfect place to escape: it was cool and shady, and I had the place to myself.
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A Historic Garden
The Pisa Botanical Garden (or Orto Botanico di Pisa) was founded in 1543 as a giardino dei semplici (Garden of Simples), or medicinal garden. It was originally established on the side of the River Arno, but moved to its current location in 1591. This was the first university scientific garden anywhere in the world (although the Padua Botanical Garden claims the title of oldest botanical garden as it has remained in the same location since 1545). It is still used as a research facility today.
The garden still retains some of its historic features, including the formal pathways and the shell encrusted facade of the Botanic Institute. Members of the public are welcome to visit and to enjoy the peaceful setting.
Ancient Trees
A particular item of historic interest is the trees. The Ancient Tree Trail is one of the main features of the garden, with numerous centuries-old trees. I passed a Magnolia planted in 1787, and an oak that was so old it now acted as host to a vast number of other species. Then there was the 19th century Eastern Plane, described as “the most beautiful tree in the garden”.
As you walk around you will see noticeboards everywhere, with lots of information about the trees and the plants. The captions are in Italian, English and Braille (including raised pictures of the plants).
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Enjoying The Pisa Botanic Garden
Apart from the trees, the garden features greenhouses, ponds, and aquatic plants. And the Botanical Museum showcases the history of botanical research in Pisa. Of special interest is the Herbarium which includes more than 300,000 dried plants collected over the last 200 years.
When I visited an artist was hard at work sketching a tall tree and a couple of gardeners toiled away in the distance. I walked slowly, enjoying the solitude and the birdsong. I passed the cacti and the aquatic flowers, and peered into the big greenhouse with its vast display of succulents. Conservation work was much in evidence: some of these plants are almost extinct, and the garden’s curators were working hard to protect them.
But then I became aware of my unseen companions: midges. It was late in the year, and I had not foreseen the need for insect repellent, so they were enjoying a free feast! It would be nice to return here in the summer, I thought, when the plants are in full bloom. But I would have to remember the bug spray…
How To Visit Pisa’s Botanical Garden
- The Botanical Garden of Pisa is a short distance from the Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower of Pisa (around a 5 minute walk).
- There is a small entrance charge (free to children and students). All visits are free on the first Sunday of each month.
- Guided tours take place on the third Saturday of each month.
- The garden is accessible but visitors with mobility issues are advised to use the Via Roma entrance.
- Don’t forget the insect repellent!
