The oldest botanical garden in Spain
The botanical garden administratively belongs to the University of Valencia. The University was growing herbs for medicinal purposes in the early 16th century. A botanical garden was projected from the mid-18th century, and the Garden opened on its present site in 1802. It remains a centre for study, education and public use.
The first greenhouse was made out of wooden in 1845. In 1856, the catalogue of the garden was published with over 6,000 living species and the herbarium.
Between 1860 and 1862 the iron and glass conservatory was built, it was designed bya well-known architect. It is considered a building ahead of its time in regard of the material used in its construction, it's glased surface is 465 sqm.
The Garden was restored after the flood of 1957.
Interesting facts
- The Jardín Botánico de la Universidad de Valencia was founded in 1799 by Dr. Joseph Cavanilles.
- It is the oldest botanical garden in Spain and the third oldest in Europe.
- The garden's botanical collection includes over 10,000 species of plants from around the world.
- The garden houses a series of greenhouses, including the Cactus Garden, the Tropical Plant Garden, and the Medicinal Plant Garden.
- The garden is also an important research center, housing a number of botanical research laboratories.
