Step back in time: Visit the world's oldest botanical gardens
What's the story
Botanical gardens provide a glimpse into the plant kingdom, displaying various species and serving as a peaceful retreat from city life.
Some of these gardens date back centuries, maintaining rare plant species and furthering botany research.
A visit to these historic spots gives you an opportunity to admire nature, as well as learn something about the history of botany.
Here are some of the oldest botanical gardens around the world that you must visit.
Pisa's treasure
Orto Botanico di Pisa: A historic gem
Founded in 1544, Orto Botanico di Pisa is among the oldest botanical gardens in the world.
Situated in Italy, it was originally established for the study of medicinal plants by Luca Ghini.
The garden boasts an incredible collection of plants from all over the world and diverse climates.
One can walk around its historic greenhouses and gaze at trees that have stood for centuries.
Leiden's legacy
Hortus Botanicus Leiden: Dutch heritage
Founded in 1590, the Hortus Botanicus Leiden located in the Netherlands is famous for its rich history and contribution to botany.
It was instrumental during the Dutch Golden Age when a lot of exotic plants were introduced from Asia.
The garden features unique collections such as tropical orchids and carnivorous plants, making it a must-visit for plant lovers.
Padua's pride
Padua Botanical Garden: UNESCO site
The Padua Botanical Garden has been around since 1545 at Italy's University of Padua.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is of great historical importance as one of the oldest academic botanical gardens that are still functional.
The garden features an extensive collection of medicinal herbs and rare plant species gathered over centuries.
Kew's influence
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew: A global icon
Located near London, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew was established in 1759 and has since become an iconic institution, recognized internationally for its scientific research efforts on biodiversity conservation across the world.
It treats visitors to breathtaking landscapes brimming with diverse flora from every corner of Earth, be it towering trees or delicate flowers alike.