Orto botanico di Pisa Facts for Kids

The Orto botanico di Pisa is a special botanical garden in Pisa, Italy. It's also called the Orto Botanico dell'Università di Pisa because the University of Pisa looks after it. You can find it at via Luca Ghini 5. It's usually open on weekday mornings, and the best part is, it's free to visit!

Orto botanico di Pisa, general view.

History of the Pisa Botanical Garden
- Moving to New Homes
- Early Collections and Buildings
What You Can See at the Garden Today
- Main Plant Collections
- The Old Botany Institute
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History of the Pisa Botanical Garden

The Pisa Botanical Garden started a long time ago in 1544. It was created by Cosimo I de' Medici. This garden was very important because it was the first university botanical garden in all of Europe.

A famous plant expert named Luca Ghini from Imola was put in charge of the garden. He helped it grow and become well-known.

Moving to New Homes

The garden didn't always stay in the same spot. In 1563, it moved from its first location near a river. That first spot is now where the Medicean Arsenal is. The garden moved to a new place near the Santa Marta convent.

Then, in 1591, the garden moved again for the third time. This is the place where it still stands today!

Early Collections and Buildings

From its very early days, the garden was more than just plants. It had a special collection of natural objects. Today, these objects are part of Pisa's Museo di Storia Naturale (Natural History Museum).

The garden also had a library, which is now part of the university's main library. You can also see portraits of all the people who have directed the garden over the centuries. One of the oldest buildings in the garden is an iron-framed hothouse. This was one of the first of its kind built in Italy.

The old institute building.

What You Can See at the Garden Today

Today, the Pisa Botanical Garden is divided into different areas. These areas include a botanical school, lovely gardens, peaceful ponds, and special greenhouses. There are also several buildings to explore.

Main Plant Collections

The garden has many interesting plant collections. You can find large herb gardens filled with different types of herbs. There are also arboreta, which are areas with many different kinds of trees.

The Old Botany Institute

One of the most famous buildings is the old botany institute. It was built between 1591 and 1595. The front of this building is very unique. It is decorated with sea-shells, which makes it look very special!