Jardin Exotique, Botanical garden in Monaco, Monaco.
The Exotic Garden, also known as Jardin Exotique, is a botanical garden in Monaco built on a rocky hillside overlooking the principality and the sea. The garden holds one of the largest open-air collections of cacti and succulents in Europe, arranged along winding paths that follow the natural slope of the cliff.
The garden opened in 1933, though the first succulent plants were brought to the cliff site in the late 19th century by a horticulturalist working for the princely family. Over the following decades, a botanical institute and a nursery were added to support research on the collection.
The garden brings together plants that normally grow in dry regions like southern Africa or the Arabian Peninsula, displayed here in the open air under the mild Monaco climate. The shapes of the cacti and succulents attract visitors who would not normally stop for a botanical garden.
The paths follow a steep slope, so sturdy shoes are a good idea before setting out. The garden can be visited year-round, as many of the plants keep their forms through all seasons and the open cliff position means the views change with the light.
Beneath the garden, a natural cave system with stalactites and stalagmites contains traces of prehistoric human settlement found during excavations. The cave is accessible as part of the garden visit and sits directly under the cactus beds above.
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