Nizza, Mediterranean garden on Main river bank, Frankfurt, Germany
Nizza is a Mediterranean garden stretching over 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) along the northern Main riverbank between Untermainbrücke and Friedensbrücke bridges, spanning about 4 hectares. It grows olive trees, figs, bananas, cork trees, citrus fruits, cypress trees, and stone pines adapted to the warm local conditions.
The site was originally a Main river island but was connected to the mainland in 1858 during harbor railway construction. In 1875, it was transformed into a tropical garden that eventually developed into the Mediterranean landscape seen today.
The park takes its name from Nice, France, reflecting similar climate conditions that allow Mediterranean plants to grow in this northern location. Visitors encounter vegetation that would otherwise not survive in this region.
The grounds are easily accessible with wide paths for a pleasant walk along the river. The best time to visit is May through September, when the vegetation is most lush and temperatures showcase the diverse flora to its best advantage.
The park benefits from Frankfurt's urban heat island effect, which raises temperatures 4 to 7 degrees Celsius higher than surrounding areas. This warming combined with southern sun exposure allows plants to thrive that would not normally survive in a typical German climate.
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