Orto Botanico di Genova

Genoa, Italy, Italy

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The Orto Botanico di Genova, also known as Orto Botanico dell'Università di Genova, is a botanical garden operated by the University of Genoa, located at Corso Dogali 1M in the old town center of Genoa, Liguria, Italy.

Founded in 1803 by Domenico Viviani on a small portion of the ancient estate of the Collegio di S. Gerolamo dei Gesuiti, the garden was completed with the purchase of the remaining part of the Pietraminuta estate, reaching a total area of about one hectare (10,000 square meters or approximately 2.5 acres). The garden currently houses approximately 4,000 specimens representing about 2,000 taxonomic groups, making it a significant collection for botanical study and research.

About 1,000 square meters are covered by six greenhouses built on three different levels that reproduce various environmental situations, including ferns, tropical plants (including 25 varieties of ficus), and numerous succulents, with the first greenhouse established in 1859. The botanical garden is open to the public with free and unguided access on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 to 13:30, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 to 17:00, while free guided tours are available upon reservation through the Association Amici dell'Orto Botanico di Genova.