Pisa Botanical Garden: The Oldest University Botanic Garden

A dive into the history of botany just steps from the Leaning Tower. Founded in 1543 by Luca Ghini, the Pisa Botanical Garden is the oldest university botanic garden in the world and hosts over 4,000 plant species across three hectares. With shady avenues, tropical greenhouses, and a modern museum, it offers a unique experience for nature and history enthusiasts.
• Centuries-old trees: a Ginkgo biloba and a Magnolia grandiflora from 1787, an oriental plane tree from 1808
• Medicinal plant collection: over 140 species in the Orto del Mirto, organized by therapeutic properties
• Botanical Museum: inaugurated in 2016, with wax models, historical herbariums, and the 16th-century Wunderkammer
• Themed greenhouses: tropical, succulents, Victoria (giant water lily), and banana

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Copertina itinerario Pisa Botanical Garden: The Oldest University Botanic Garden

Founded in 1543, the Pisa Botanical Garden is the oldest university botanic garden in the world. Discover its collections of medicinal plants, centuries-old trees, and the Botanical Museum just steps from Piazza dei Miracoli.

https://www.ortomuseobot.sma.unipi.it/
ortomuseo@biologia.unipi.it
Viale M. Tilli, Pisa (PI)
+39 050 2211316
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View on Google Images Orto Botanico a Pisa

Good to know

A Dive into Botany Steps from the Tower

From the Garden of Simples to Today

Botanical School and Cedar Garden: Historic Treasures

Myrtle Garden and Greenhouses: Medicinal and Tropical Plants

Three good reasons to come

The Right Time to Enjoy It

After the Garden, the Wonder

A Dive into Botany Steps from the Tower

Imagine strolling among centuries-old trees and fragrant flowerbeds, just minutes away from the crowds of Piazza dei Miracoli. The Botanical Garden of Pisa is a peaceful oasis that will surprise you. Founded in 1543 by Luca Ghini at the behest of Cosimo I de’ Medici, it is the oldest university botanical garden in the world. Here history blends with science: among medicinal plants, tropical greenhouses, and a modern botanical museum, every corner tells centuries of study. It’s not just a garden; it’s a journey into green knowledge.

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From the Garden of Simples to Today

In 1543, physician Luca Ghini created the first university botanical garden in Pisa, then called ‘Giardino dell’Arzinale’ near the Arsenal. In 1563 it was moved near the convent of Santa Marta and finally, in 1591, it found its current location thanks to Grand Duke Ferdinando I. The original layout of square beds was later modified in the 19th century with rectangular beds. In 2014 a restoration began that culminated with the opening of the Botanical Museum in 2016-2017. Here are the key moments:

1543: foundation by Luca Ghini
1563: first relocation
1591: final move near Piazza dei Miracoli
2014: renovation project
2016-2017: inauguration of the Botanical Museum

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Botanical School and Cedar Garden: Historic Treasures

The ancient heart of the garden is the Botanical School: 124 flowerbeds with about 400 species arranged by family. Among the monumental trees, a 1808 oriental plane tree, an 1811 Ginkgo biloba, and an 1877 California palm stand out. Not far away, the Cedar Garden houses the oldest specimens: the Ginkgo and Magnolia grandiflora planted in 1787. Until 1935 there was a Lebanon cedar, now replaced by a Himalayan cedar. Bamboos, hydrangeas, and camellias also grow here. A corner steeped in history.

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Myrtle Garden and Greenhouses: Medicinal and Tropical Plants

The Myrtle Garden takes its name from a majestic myrtle tree dating back to 1815 and is dedicated to medicinal plants: 120 species organized by active ingredient, including castor bean, digitalis, and belladonna. Don’t miss the four greenhouses: the Tropical Greenhouse with plants like Nepenthes alata, the Victoria Greenhouse with giant water lilies, the Succulent Greenhouse with cacti and aloe, and the Banana Greenhouse with banana and coffee plants. A journey across the world’s climates in just a few steps.

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Three good reasons to come

1) Unique centuries-old trees: a Ginkgo biloba from 1787, a magnolia from the same year, a California palm from the 1800s. 2) The Botanical Museum: housed in the Palazzo delle Conchiglie, featuring a 16th-century Wunderkammer and wax models of mushrooms and plants. 3) The atmosphere: far from the tourist chaos of Piazza dei Miracoli, a garden to get lost in among scents and colors. Ideal for a refreshing break.

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The Right Time to Enjoy It

Spring is spectacular: camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons bloom. But if you prefer tranquility, go at opening time, 8:30 AM, when the sun’s rays filter through the ancient trees. In summer, the greenhouses are warm, but the Orto del Gratta with its pond offers coolness. Autumn and winter have an intimate charm, with the colors of the leaves and the warm museum.

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After the Garden, the Wonder

The Botanical Garden is located less than 100 meters from Piazza dei Miracoli, where you can admire the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto. Take advantage to visit the Museum of Sinopie or the Museum of the Opera del Duomo. A perfect itinerary for a day between nature and art.

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💡 Did You Know…?
Under a majestic cedar of Lebanon (now replaced by a Himalayan cedar), the first meeting of Italian scientists was held in 1839, an event that marked the birth of the national scientific community. Even today, as you stroll the paths, you can feel that atmosphere of discovery and curiosity that makes this place unique.