Botanical Garden of Padua – The Oldest in Italy

Located in Padua, the University Botanical Garden, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, is the oldest in Italy. Home to around 3,500 plant species, it has greatly contributed to the advancement of various scientific disciplines such as botany, medicine, chemistry, ecology, and pharmacy.

Are you ready to discover it with us?

The History of the Garden

Founded in 1545 for the cultivation of medicinal plants, the garden was opened to university students to help them recognize and study different species, introducing new ones over time.

Originally designed by Daniele Barbaro, it was later modified in the 18th century with the construction of the four monumental entrance gates, the balustrade, and the brick greenhouses.

After its UNESCO recognition, the garden expanded further: in 2014, the Garden of Biodiversity was inaugurated, featuring greenhouses that recreate five major biomes of the planet. Then, in 2023, the new Botanical Museum opened, showcasing specimens from the university’s botanical collections — including a rich selection from the historic herbarium, an old apothecary, and 19th-century educational wall charts, alongside many interactive exhibits that highlight the university’s vast heritage.

The Plants of the Garden

With 6,000 plants belonging to about 3,500 species, each labeled with detailed botanical information, the garden is divided into seven thematic areas:

• Medicinal and poisonous plants, such as the California poppy, Job’s tears, and lilac.
• Plants of the Euganean Hills and rare Triveneto species, including the spider plant, Ipheion uniflorum, and the Japanese bellflower.
• Aquatic plants, such as lotus flowers, dragon’s tail, and water mimosa.

• Insectivorous plants, like the unicorn plant.
• Plants introduced to Italy by the garden, such as the Persian cyclamen, lilac, and tulip tree.
• Historic plants, including the evergreen magnolia, Himalayan cedar, and Goethe’s palm.
• Succulent plants, like the rainbow cactus, jade tree, and the lantern flower plant.

Tickets and Visitor Information

The Botanical Garden is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Admission fees:

• Full price: €10
• Reduced (teachers and over 65): €8
• Special reduced (children aged 6–12, youth up to 25, and civil service volunteers): €5
• Family ticket (two adults + up to three children under 18): €25
• Free entry for certain categories

Guided tours are also available:

• Individual: €5
• Family: €10

Discounts, vouchers, and annual passes are available.

How to Get There

• By train and tram: from the city center, stop at SANTO or PRATO DELLA VALLE.
• By car: paid and free parking areas are available nearby.

Don’t miss the chance to explore this extraordinary blend of nature, science, and history — a true jewel in the heart of Padua!