Jardín Botánico

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The garden hosts a well-established colony of wild cats that are protected and monitored by the university staff.

2. 2

   The L'Umbracle structure was specifically designed to house shade-loving tropical plants by filtering Mediterranean sunlight through iron lattices.

3. 3

   Some of the palm trees on-site are over a century old, predating many of the city's modern expansion projects.

4. 4

   The garden maintains a specialized seed bank to support international biodiversity conservation efforts.

5. 5

   The current layout preserves the 19th-century 'romantic' style of garden design rather than strict taxonomic grouping.

6. 6

   It was moved to its current site on Calle de Quart in 1802 to accommodate the University's need for a dedicated space for medicinal plant study.

Overview

Founded in 1802 and managed by the University of Valencia, this 4-hectare garden serves as both a scientific research center and a public botanical space. The site features a collection of over 4,500 species, categorized into specialized areas including cacti, succulents, and Mediterranean flora. It houses several historic 19th-century iron-and-glass greenhouses, including the Umbracle and the Palm Greenhouse. The garden acts as a climate-controlled sanctuary for plant species from five continents, utilizing distinct micro-climates for preservation. Recent research programs focus on the conservation of endangered flora native to the Valencian region. It is officially integrated into the historical urban fabric of the city's Extramurs district.

Insider tips

• Visit the greenhouses during the cooler parts of the day, as the humidity and temperature inside rise significantly.

• Check the university's research noticeboard at the entrance for any ongoing temporary outdoor exhibitions or botanical workshops.

• Carry water, as the expansive outdoor sections provide limited hydration stations.