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Giardino della Minerva: A Historical Botanical Garden

Explore the Giardino della Minerva in Salerno: a historic botanical garden with medicinal plants and stunning views of the city and coastline.

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The Giardino della Minerva, located in the heart of Salerno's historic center, is one of Europe's oldest botanical gardens. Founded in the 12th century, it served as a teaching garden for the Salerno Medical School, the first university of medicine in Europe. Today, it offers visitors a serene escape with stunning views and a rich collection of medicinal plants.

A brief summary to Giardino della Minerva

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the garden is terraced and involves some walking on steps.
  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
  • Try the herbal teas at the tea room, made with plants from the garden.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Salerno train station, walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, then continue onto Via dei Mercanti until you reach Largo Campo square. Take the side street to the right, next to the fish fountain, and continue for 100 meters until you see signs for the Giardino della Minerva. The garden is reached after walking down some steps.

  • Public Transport

    From Salerno train station, take bus lines 4, 5, 6, or 9 and get off at the Teatro Verdi stop. From there, it is a 350-meter walk to the Minerva Garden. Bus tickets cost around €1-2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available at the Salerno train station. A taxi ride to Giardino della Minerva will cost approximately €10-15, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Giardino della Minerva

Nestled in the heart of Salerno, the Giardino della Minerva is a captivating journey through time and botany. This historic garden, dating back to the 12th century, holds the distinction of being one of the first botanical gardens in Europe. It was established by Matteo Silvatico, a renowned physician of the Salerno Medical School, as a place for students to study medicinal plants. The garden is structured in terraces, featuring a complex water distribution system with pools and fountains on each level. Visitors can explore a wide variety of plants, including species mentioned in ancient medical texts. The 17th-century staircase connects the various terraces, leading to a belvedere with panoramic views of Salerno's historic center and the sea. Today, the Giardino della Minerva is a peaceful retreat where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and discover the history of medicine. The garden also features a tea room where you can savor herbal teas made from the garden's own plants. Don't miss the artificial cave with a fishpond on the upper terrace.

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