Botanical Garden of Santa Catalina, Botanical garden with monastery ruins in Iruña de Oca, Spain.
The Botanical Garden of Santa Catalina is a landscaped park with plants from different climate zones surrounding the preserved walls of a former monastery. The grounds extend across rolling areas and guide visitors past organized plant sections, where species from Mediterranean and Atlantic coastal regions grow side by side.
The property dates to the 13th century when the Iruña family built a residential tower there, which later served as a monastery. During the First Carlist War, the site suffered damage that remains visible in the ruins today.
The garden is named after Saint Catalina and blends the ruins of a former convent with living plant collections from around the world. Visitors can observe how historical stone structures stand amid the vegetation, creating a link between spiritual heritage and nature.
The grounds are hilly and require comfortable footwear to walk the various paths between plant areas. Parking is available near the entrance, and visits are best planned on mild days when intense heat or rain won't disrupt exploration.
Within the park are specialized areas such as a butterfly oasis and a stargazing zone for astronomy enthusiasts. These sections offer visitors unexpected dimensions beyond standard garden viewing.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
