Orto Botanico di Portici

The Orto Botanico di Portici is a botanical garden within the grounds of a former royal palace, where plants from many climates grow side by side. The layout shows organized planting sections with greenhouses and outdoor beds arranged throughout the space.

The garden was founded in 1872 when two ornamental gardens were transformed into a botanical research facility after the royal family departed. A professor at the local university directed this transformation and established it as a place for research and teaching.

The garden's name reflects its royal origins, though today it functions as a teaching space for the nearby university. Visitors can observe research activities happening alongside the planted collections.

The garden is open on weekdays during limited morning hours and it's best to arrange a visit in advance. Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit, when the weather is mild and more plants are in bloom.

The garden houses a remarkable collection of desert plants, including hundreds of cactus varieties from different continents. Particularly striking is a South African plant that naturally occurs only in the driest regions of that continent.

Location: Portici

Official opening: 1872

Address: Via Università

Website: https://centromusa.it/it/orto-botanico-di-portici.html

GPS coordinates: 40.81750,14.34028

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:26