Orto Botanico di Palermo

Overview

The Orto Botanico di Palermo is one of Europe's most important botanical gardens, covering 10 hectares adjacent to Villa Giulia. Founded in 1789, it is home to over 12,000 species and features spectacular tropical specimens that thrive in Palermo's mild climate.

Highlights

• Ficus macrophylla: A colossal Moreton Bay fig whose aerial roots create a natural cathedral.
• Tropical Greenhouse: Victorian-era glasshouses filled with orchids and ferns.
• Aquatic Garden: Lotus ponds and papyrus beds recalling Sicily's ancient connections to North Africa.

History

The garden was established by the University of Palermo in 1789 and designed in Neoclassical style by Léon Dufourny. Goethe praised it during his Sicilian journey, and it has remained a centre for botanical research ever since.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: The gardens are spacious and shaded — ideal for a midday break from sightseeing.
• Tip 2: Combine with the adjacent Villa Giulia park.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.