Orto Botanico dell'Università di Siena, Botanical garden and natural history museum in Siena, Italy
The Botanical Garden of the University of Siena is a facility covering over two hectares within medieval walls, where plants are organized systematically in beds according to their origin and use. Three modern greenhouses house tropical species, tender shrubs, and special collections such as carnivorous plants and Mediterranean citrus fruits.
The facility was established in 1588 to study and cultivate medicinal plants for medical purposes. It was relocated to its current location within the city in 1856 and officially opened in 1866 as part of the university.
The garden preserves a living collection of healing plants that have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Visitors can see today which plants doctors and pharmacists once relied on to treat illness.
The garden sits at an elevation between 280 and 350 meters and is easily reached on foot from Siena's historic center. The paths are well-maintained and the greenhouses are readily accessible, making a visit possible in any season.
In less-tended areas grow rare plant species like Alyssum bertolonii, found only in this Italian region. These wild corners show visitors the natural flora of Tuscany that exists nowhere else in the garden.
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