18 Oldest Botanical Gardens in The World

Botanical gardens have long been sanctuaries of plant science, conservation, and public beauty, preserving unique species and showcasing nature’s diversity. Many of the world’s oldest botanical gardens were founded centuries ago to study medicinal plants and support early scientific research, and they remain vital educational and research centers today. From Italy’s renowned Orto Botanico di Padova to England’s iconic Kew Gardens, these green spaces are not only historic landmarks but also vital resources in plant conservation. By exploring the oldest botanical gardens around the globe, we can appreciate their rich legacies and the role they continue to play in preserving nature’s wonders.

Orto Botanico di Pisa, Italy (1543)

The Orto Botanico di Pisa, founded in 1543, is the oldest university botanical garden in the world. Established by Luca Ghini, a renowned Italian botanist, the garden was initially created for medicinal plant studies. Located in Pisa, the garden played a significant role in advancing botanical research and education in Europe. With its diverse collection of native and exotic plants, it became an essential resource for botanical studies. Over the centuries, it has undergone various expansions and modifications to improve its collections. Today, the Orto Botanico covers over three hectares, featuring a museum and greenhouses with rare specimens. Its age and dedication to botany make it a cornerstone of botanical heritage in Italy.

Orto Botanico di Padova, Italy (1545)

Orto Botanico di Padova, founded in 1545, is Italy’s and the world’s oldest surviving academic botanical garden still in its original location. Established to advance medicinal plant studies, it was a revolutionary space for early botany. Situated in Padua, it was a hub for botanical research, attracting scholars from across Europe. Over the centuries, the garden expanded to include various plant collections from around the world. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserving its historical layout and plants. The garden is particularly known for its collection of medicinal and endangered plants. Its long-standing history exemplifies Italy’s dedication to preserving botanical knowledge.

Botanischer Garten der Universität Heidelberg, Germany (1593)

Founded in 1593, the Botanischer Garten der Universität Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest botanical garden. Originally designed as a teaching garden, it quickly became a center for botanical research in Europe. Its collection has grown to include thousands of plant species, many of which are rare or endangered. Located in Heidelberg, the garden showcases plants from diverse climates and regions worldwide. Over time, it has adapted to modern research needs while preserving its historical heritage. The garden now serves as both an educational and conservation space. Its resilience over the centuries reflects Germany’s commitment to botanical science.

Hortus Botanicus Leiden, Netherlands (1590)

Hortus Botanicus Leiden, founded in 1590, is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in Europe. Established at Leiden University, it initially focused on studying medicinal plants and herbs. The garden played a pivotal role in introducing Asian plants to Europe, including rare species like tulips and coffee plants. Throughout its history, it attracted renowned botanists who expanded its collections with exotic species. Today, the garden spans over four hectares and includes themed sections, such as tropical greenhouses. Its contributions to botany have made it a treasured landmark. The garden continues to be a valuable resource for plant conservation and education.

Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid, Spain (1755)

Established in 1755, the Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid is Spain’s oldest botanical garden. Commissioned by King Ferdinand VI, the garden was initially intended to house medicinal plants for research. Situated near the Prado Museum, it has served as a vital resource for Spanish botany. Over the centuries, it has collected thousands of plant species from all over the world, including rare and endangered varieties. The garden’s landscape reflects the influence of different design styles, such as Baroque and Romantic. Today, it hosts a rich collection of trees, herbaceous plants, and tropical species in greenhouses. Its history and collections make it a botanical treasure in Spain.

Jardin des Plantes, France (1626)

The Jardin des Plantes in Paris, founded in 1626, is the oldest botanical garden in France. Originally established as a medicinal herb garden, it evolved into a leading center for botanical research. Over the years, the garden expanded to include greenhouses, a zoo, and extensive plant collections. Located along the Seine, it showcases diverse flora, from medicinal plants to rare tropical species. Its design reflects French horticultural styles, blending science with aesthetics. The garden has contributed significantly to botanical studies in Europe. Today, it is a major public attraction and educational center in Paris.

Botanical Garden of Vilnius University, Lithuania (1781)

Founded in 1781, the Botanical Garden of Vilnius University is the oldest in Lithuania. Established for botanical research, it became a focal point for studying local and foreign plant species. Located in Kairėnai, it covers an expansive area of over 190 hectares. The garden includes collections of medicinal, ornamental, and rare plants, reflecting Lithuania’s botanical heritage. Its landscape design incorporates natural woodlands and lakes, enhancing its beauty and diversity. Despite its age, it has remained a vibrant research and educational facility. The garden’s long history signifies Lithuania’s commitment to conserving plant biodiversity.

Oxford Botanic Garden, United Kingdom (1621)

Established in 1621, the Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest in the United Kingdom. Created as a medicinal herb garden for university students, it quickly gained prominence in botanical research. Located in Oxford, it spans approximately 4.5 acres, housing over 5,000 plant species. The garden features diverse collections, including medicinal plants, herbs, and endangered species. Over the centuries, it has contributed significantly to botanical studies in Britain. Its heritage and historical design make it a cherished site in Oxford. Today, it remains a hub for plant science and conservation efforts.

Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, Portugal (1772)

Founded in 1772, the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra is the oldest in Portugal. Established by the Marquis of Pombal, it was intended to support botanical research and education. Situated in Coimbra, the garden covers about 13 hectares, showcasing plants from across the globe. Its collections include medicinal plants, tropical species, and rare trees, reflecting Portugal’s colonial history. The garden’s design blends natural and formal elements, creating a serene environment for visitors. Over the years, it has expanded to include greenhouses and research facilities. Its history represents Portugal’s dedication to botanical studies.

Copenhagen Botanical Garden, Denmark (1600)

The Copenhagen Botanical Garden, established in 1600, is Denmark’s oldest botanical garden. Initially focused on medicinal plants, it expanded to include species from diverse regions. Located in central Copenhagen, the garden spans 10 hectares and features historical glasshouses. It is part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark, serving as both a public attraction and research site. The garden’s collections include rare and endangered plants, contributing to conservation efforts. Its design reflects traditional European botanical garden styles, combining aesthetics with scientific research. Today, it remains a key botanical resource in Denmark.

Utrecht Botanic Gardens, Netherlands (1639)

The Utrecht Botanic Gardens were established in 1639 and are among the oldest in the Netherlands. Located at Utrecht University, the gardens initially focused on medicinal plant cultivation for medical students. Throughout the centuries, they expanded to include a vast collection of both native and exotic plants. Covering nearly 9 hectares, the gardens now feature several specialized areas, including a rock garden and tropical greenhouse. It is also renowned for its collection of rare and endangered plant species. The garden’s age and diversity make it a landmark of botanical study in the Netherlands. Today, it serves as an educational and research facility, supporting conservation efforts.

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, Netherlands (1638)

Founded in 1638, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe. Originally established as an herb garden to combat the plague, it quickly became a center for botanical research. Located in Amsterdam, it spans a compact but diverse 1.2 hectares, showcasing plants from all continents. Its collections include medicinal, tropical, and desert plants, with a remarkable variety of rare species. Over the years, the garden has played an important role in the study of tropical botany. Today, it is open to the public and continues to be a resource for research. Its historical significance and unique collections attract visitors from around the world.

Botanical Garden of the University of Oslo, Norway (1814)

Founded in 1814, the Botanical Garden of the University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest botanical garden. Established for scientific research, it has grown to become a major center for studying Scandinavian and Arctic flora. Located in Oslo, it covers over 15 hectares, featuring diverse collections, including medicinal and exotic plants. The garden’s greenhouses hold tropical and desert plants, while outdoor sections highlight native Norwegian flora. Its landscape design integrates natural and cultivated areas, providing a tranquil environment for visitors. The garden’s long history reflects Norway’s dedication to preserving botanical diversity. Today, it remains a vital educational and research institution.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, United Kingdom (1759)

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, founded in 1759, are among the most famous botanical gardens in the world. Established by Princess Augusta, the gardens originally focused on exotic plants collected from the British Empire. Located in London, Kew Gardens now span over 300 acres and feature over 50,000 plant species. Its collections include some of the world’s rarest plants, housed in iconic Victorian glasshouses. The gardens have contributed significantly to global plant research and conservation. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kew remains a leading botanical institution. Its expansive collections and historical importance make it a global botanical treasure.

Berlin-Dahlem Botanical Garden, Germany (1679)

Founded in 1679, the Berlin-Dahlem Botanical Garden is one of Germany’s oldest and largest botanical gardens. Initially created as a kitchen garden for medicinal plants, it evolved into a significant center for botanical research. Located in the Berlin suburb of Dahlem, it covers around 43 hectares and features over 20,000 plant species. Its collections include tropical, subtropical, and arid plants housed in extensive glasshouses. The garden’s landscape integrates both formal and natural designs, making it a popular attraction in Berlin. Today, it serves as a research and educational institution. Its historical role in German botany highlights its lasting impact on plant science.

Botanic Garden of Tartu University, Estonia (1803)

The Botanic Garden of Tartu University, established in 1803, is Estonia’s oldest botanical garden. Originally founded for academic purposes, it quickly became a center for studying local and foreign plants. Located in Tartu, it covers around 3 hectares, featuring collections that include medicinal plants and rare species. The garden’s greenhouses house tropical and desert plants, while outdoor sections showcase Estonian flora. Its landscape blends natural and cultivated areas, providing a serene setting for visitors. Over the centuries, it has maintained its commitment to botanical education and conservation. Today, it is a prominent botanical site in Estonia, serving students and researchers alike.

Missouri Botanical Garden, United States (1859)

Established in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the United States. Founded by businessman and philanthropist Henry Shaw, the garden has become a leading center for botanical research and conservation. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, it spans 79 acres and includes themed gardens, greenhouses, and an impressive Japanese garden. Its collections focus on both native and exotic plants, showcasing thousands of species from around the world. The garden has made significant contributions to plant science in America. Today, it serves as a public attraction and research institution, highlighting the importance of plant conservation.

University of Vienna Botanical Garden, Austria (1754)

The University of Vienna Botanical Garden, founded in 1754, is Austria’s oldest botanical garden. Initially established to support medical students in studying medicinal plants, it soon expanded its focus to general botany. Located in Vienna, it covers approximately 8 hectares and features diverse plant collections. Its gardens include a tropical greenhouse, an alpine garden, and a section dedicated to endangered species. The garden’s layout reflects traditional European designs, creating a harmonious blend of nature and science. Over the centuries, it has become a valuable resource for research and conservation. Today, it remains a cherished institution, showcasing Austria’s dedication to botany.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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