The botanical garden in Padova is the first of its kind in Europe. It was established in 1545 by decree of the Senate of the Republic of Venice. The chair of the university was keen to further the study of therapeutic medicines coming directly from nature and to develop a scientific basis for the practice of medicine.
The first prefect of the garden, Luigi Squalermo, ordered the cultivation of 2,000 species of medicinal plants. To reduce theft a circular wall was built around the garden and there were harsh punishments for anyone who stole plants.
The oldest part of the garden is within this circular wall, which now sits within a larger square.
Water lilies and other aquatic plants thrive, thanks to the constant temperature of the thermal waters, which come from an artesian well 270 metres deep.
There are some notable plants in the botanical garden…the famous Palm of St Peter, planted in 1585. It is known as the Palma Goethe because it inspired the German poet during his voyage to Italy in 1786.
There is a Magnolia Grandiflora planted in 1786, the oldest in Europe and a Ginkgo Biloba planted in 1750. Outside the circular wall is an Oriental Plane Tree dating from 1680.
I would love to show you these, but it started raining heavily before I could find them…I will have to return.
In 1997 the Botanical Garden of Padova was added to the Unesco list of World Heritage Sites, recognised for its contribution to the development of numerous scientific disciplines, such as medicine, chemistry, ecology and pharmacology.
Apart from all of the amazing history, the garden is simply a beautiful place to spend time while in Padova.
The Botanical Gardens in Padova, Pisa and Florence were all established between 1544 and 1545, only months apart. I have not visited the Padova one, but I am putting it on my list of places to visit. Personally, I love the “Giardino dei Semplici” in Florence.
By: Mulino Dominillo on November 18, 2015
at 4:32 pm
I have not been to the Florence garden you mention, but I will.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 18, 2015
at 10:32 pm
Oh I would love to go there – and you are right it looks so peaceful as well as being a stunning historical success keeping all those species named and flourishing.. the pond lilies are amazing! thank you .. c
By: Cecilia Mary Gunther on November 18, 2015
at 5:38 pm
It is a lovely garden and another lovely surprise in Padova.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 18, 2015
at 10:32 pm
Beautiful. Not just what you can see but also what you feel. Peace. Tranquility. Calm. Inspiration
By: Lyn on November 18, 2015
at 7:05 pm
The huge old trees are amazing.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 18, 2015
at 10:33 pm
Blessed are the Gardeners! Well tended gardens and old gardens in particular are such a joy aren’t they.
By: Jan on November 18, 2015
at 8:40 pm
Yes, they are. I love to see my garden at Casa Debbio grow.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 18, 2015
at 10:33 pm
I wonder what medical purpose the angel trumpet served as it’s poisonous. What a great idea. Wish medicine today was derived as naturally.
By: Mallee Stanley on November 18, 2015
at 9:47 pm
I wonder if it was grown way back then. Maybe it was grown for the poison.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 18, 2015
at 10:34 pm
Love those water lilies! The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has a nice water garden, but the lily pads are nowhere near that big. I enjoy walking the paths of the garden and look forward to making several visits each spring.
By: Jackie Cangro on November 18, 2015
at 11:58 pm
Looks like a beautiful city and the garden is so lovely.
By: Kerry & Jim on November 18, 2015
at 11:59 pm
I love gardens! This one is gorgeous – thank you for sharing the lovely photos.
By: sheilasunshine on November 21, 2015
at 6:30 pm
[…] time to wander in the Botanical Garden begun in 1545, the first of its kind in Europe. See my visit […]
By: Top tips for Padova | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on January 22, 2016
at 11:11 am