Zirc Arboretum, Botanical garden in Zirc, Hungary.
Zirc Arboretum lies at about 400 metres above sea level, the highest living tree collection in Hungary, beside the Cistercian abbey grounds in central Zirc. Its roughly 600 tree and shrub species include about seventy introduced conifers, among them Hungary's oldest Swiss stone pines. The Cuha stream crosses the garden and feeds the medieval fish pond at the entrance.
The garden originated in the late 18th century when Cistercian monks established a tree collection. It gained national protected status in 1951.
The arboretum grew from the Cistercian abbey's landscape garden of 1780, and its entrance is still marked by the medieval fishpond fed by the Cuha stream that runs through the grounds. The abbey asked in 2012 for the park's return, but the ministry refused, since protected land may only be exchanged for an area of equal natural value.
Visit in dry weather since paths can become slippery after rain. Wear sturdy shoes and allow plenty of time to explore the grounds at a leisurely pace.
A linden tree alley planted in 1809 by landscape gardener Gregorius Mayer follows the path of an ancient Roman road and is now over 200 years old. This historic tree row stands out as one of the most notable features of the grounds.
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