Jardin Botanique

Deep within the heart of Strasbourg, nestled between the Institute of Botany and the historic university campus, lies a verdant sanctuary known as the Jardin Botanique. Do you hear the whispers of history carried on the gentle breeze rustling through the leaves? The Jardin Botanique is not just a collection of plants. It is a living testament to the enduring power of knowledge, a hidden gem that has witnessed centuries of Strasbourg’s unfolding story. Established in 1619, the Jardin Botanique is the second oldest botanical garden in France, predated only by Montpellier’s. Its creation stemmed from the practical needs of the medical faculty at Strasbourg’s Académie, who saw its potential as a vital training ground for their students. Originally located in the Krutenau district, known then as the “plain of cabbage,” the garden began its life on the former cemetery grounds of the Saint-Nicolas-aux-Ondes convent. Imagine the transformation, from a place of rest to a vibrant hub of scientific discovery. The garden’s first inventory, compiled in 1670 by Marcus Mappus, documented an impressive 1,600 species. The French Revolution brought turmoil, and in 1792, the university was suppressed. But amidst the chaos, the garden’s director, Jean Hermann, achieved a remarkable feat. Not only did he safeguard the Jardin Botanique, but he also protected the statues of Strasbourg Cathedral, burying them within the garden’s grounds for safekeeping. The Franco-Prussian War once again brought change. In 1870, under siege by the German army, the garden became a temporary cemetery. Following the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine, Emperor Wilhelm II initiated a grand reconstruction project. This included the creation of a new botanical garden on the site of the old city walls, led by botanist Heinrich Anton de Bary. The new Jardin Botanique, with its magnificent greenhouses, opened in 1884. The garden returned to French territory in 1919 after World War I. A devastating hailstorm in 1958 destroyed many of the greenhouses, sparing only the Bary Greenhouse, a testament to the architectural prowess of Hermann Eggert, also known for his work on the Palais du Rhin. New greenhouses were constructed in 1967. Today, the Jardin Botanique at the University of Strasbourg flourishes with about 15,000 specimens representing over 6,000 plant species. As you stroll along its paths, remember the layers of history beneath your feet, the echoes of wars and revolutions, the dedication of individuals who preserved this treasure trove of botanical knowledge for generations to come.