Botanical Garden and Herbarium, Emilia Romagna Travel Guide

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Explore diverse plant species and serene natural habitats at Bologna's historic Botanical Garden and Herbarium, a green oasis since 1568.

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Botanical Garden and Herbarium

Established in 1568, the Botanical Garden of the University of Bologna is one of Italy's oldest botanical gardens. Spanning two hectares near the ancient city walls, it features diverse plant collections and reconstructed natural habitats. With a tranquil ambiance, it provides a delightful escape from the city center.

A brief summary to Botanical Garden and Herbarium

Via Irnerio, 42, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, 40126, IT
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Tuesday 9 am-3 pm
Wednesday 9 am-3 pm
Thursday 9 am-3 pm
Friday 9 am-3 pm
Saturday 9 am-3 pm
Sunday 9 am-3 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Botanical Garden and Herbarium.

The garden is open Tuesday to Sunday; check the website for specific hours, as they vary seasonally.
Admission to the Botanical Garden is free, but groups of more than 10 should notify the venue in advance.
The Herbarium is generally open to researchers only, by reservation.
Consider visiting the tropical greenhouse to see plants with bright colors and unusual shapes.

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Explore Botanical Garden and Herbarium on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

From Piazza Maggiore, walk north along Via dell'Indipendenza, a major thoroughfare. Continue onto Via Irnerio. The Botanical Garden will be on your right, approximately a 15-20 minute walk. No costs involved.
Public Transport

Several bus lines stop near Via Irnerio. From Bologna Centrale train station, take bus lines 14, 19, 20, 27, 356, 99, N1, N3, N4, N5, C, T2, 89, 93, or 94. Get off at the Irnerio stop, which is right next to the Botanical Garden. A single ride ticket costs €2.30, or €2.50 if purchased on the bus.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Bologna. A taxi ride from Bologna Centrale train station to the Botanical Garden will typically cost between €8 and €12, depending on traffic.

Discover more about Botanical Garden and Herbarium

The Botanical Garden and Herbarium of Bologna, located on Via Irnerio, represents a living museum of the plant world. Founded in 1568 by Ulisse Aldrovandi, it is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe, after those of Pisa, Padua and Florence. Initially intended for the study of medicinal plants, it has evolved alongside the botanical sciences.Throughout its history, the garden has moved several times before settling in its current location in 1803. The garden suffered neglect during the Second World War but was later restored in 1964. Today, it showcases a wide variety of plants, flowers, and trees from around the world, with a focus on both native and non-native species.The garden features several notable collections, including a large collection of succulent plants created in the first half of the 20th century. Greenhouses house tropical plants, epiphytic orchids, and carnivorous plants. The Herbarium contains approximately 130,000 dried plants, including collections from Ulisse Aldrovandi and Antonio Bertoloni. The Herbarium is primarily open for study and research purposes. The garden also reconstructs natural environments typical of the Bolognese plains and hills.