The Botanic Garden of Brera

Tucked away behind Palazzo Brera, a secret garden awaits. The Botanic Garden of Brera is a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city of Milan. This historical garden, now a recognized museum, invites you to explore its rich history and diverse plant life. The Botanic Garden of Brera’s story begins in the 14th century. It served as a place of meditation and cultivation for the Humiliati priests, later the Jesuits. In 1775, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria transformed it into the Botanic Garden of Brera. It became a center for teaching pharmacy and medicine, utilizing the medicinal plants grown within its walls. Today, the University of Milan manages the Botanic Garden of Brera. The garden retains its original 18th-century layout. Two elliptical ponds grace the grounds, surrounded by a tranquil arboretum and lush flowerbeds. These beds showcase important genera like Salvia, Hydrangea, and Paeonia, as well as thematic collections. You’ll find medicinal plants, Mediterranean species, and plants used for dyeing, textiles, and paper. The Botanic Garden of Brera is a living museum, offering new surprises in every season. In 2001, the garden reopened after extensive restoration, preserving its historical charm. The arboretum itself underwent a revitalization in 2018. Come and discover the beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem in the heart of Milan. The Botanic Garden of Brera offers a unique escape into the world of plants.