Real Botanic Garden of Madrid, Research center and botanical garden at Paseo del Prado, Spain
The Real Botanic Garden of Madrid is a botanical research facility next to the Prado Museum with three levels holding around 30,000 plants organized by scientific classification and geographic origin. The grounds span several hectares with pathways connecting different planting zones where visitors encounter trees, herbs, flowers, and succulents from various climates arranged in an educational layout.
King Ferdinand VI founded the garden in 1755, initially at a different location, and later King Charles III moved it in 1781 to its current position beside the renowned art museum. This relocation integrated it into Madrid's cultural hub, where botanical science and art developed side by side.
The name reflects its royal patronage, and visitors experience it as a working research institution where scientists study and preserve plants from around the world. The organized layout shows how people use gardens for learning, with information plaques explaining plant origins and practical uses throughout the grounds.
The garden operates with varying schedules depending on the season, offering extended hours during warmer months. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the pathways between levels, and bring sun protection since many sections have limited shade.
The upper level displays a notable collection of bonsai trees presented as a gift, arranged with careful attention to their miniature artistry. These tiny, meticulously shaped trees provide a striking contrast to the larger plantings elsewhere and showcase a different botanical tradition.
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