Beneath Milan’s vibrant cityscape exists a serene escape. This is the Orto Botanico di Brera. It is a green oasis nestled within the walls of Palazzo Brera. This garden has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. Monks used it for meditation and cultivating plants.
In 1775, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria designated it the Botanical Garden of Brera. It became a vital resource for teaching pharmacy and medicine. Students learned from medicinal species grown here. Since 1935, the University of Milan has managed the Orto Botanico.
The Orto Botanico’s original layout remains largely intact. Two elliptical ponds add to the charm. Lush flowerbeds host diverse plant species. You’ll find genera like Salvia, Hydrangea, and Paeonia. Thematic collections showcase medicinal plants, Mediterranean flora, and plants for dyeing.
Imagine Maria Theresa strolling through the garden. She likely admired the towering Ginkgo tree. She had it planted in 1777. The Ginkgo is one of the oldest in Europe. Today, the Orto Botanico preserves rare and indigenous Lombard plants.
The garden is more than just a collection of plants. It is a living, open-air museum. It offers visitors surprises throughout the seasons. In 2001, the garden reopened after extensive restoration. The Arboretum was requalified in 2018.
The Brera Botanical Garden plays a crucial role in conservation and education. It seeks to raise awareness about plants’ central role in our society. The garden aims to promote a sustainable use of plants. Its mission is to preserve biodiversity.
The Orto Botanico di Brera has a rich collection of species. These include food plants, textile plants, and paper plants. There are also plants from arid and humid environments. Since 2023, the Herbarium Universitatis Mediolanensis has been associated with the garden. It preserves historical herbaria and botanical wallcharts.
The Orto Botanico is a place of beauty and learning. It provides a unique experience in the heart of Milan. Come explore its hidden paths and discover the secrets of the plant world. The Orto Botanico di Brera awaits.