Hanbury Botanical Gardens
Liguria
The Hanbury Botanical Gardens, located on the Mortola promontory near Ventimiglia in Liguria, Italy, are renowned for their extensive collection of Mediterranean and subtropical plants. Established in 1867 by Sir Thomas Hanbury, the gardens span 18 hectares of steep terrain descending to the Mediterranean Sea, featuring a classic English landscape design with winding paths and rustic pergolas. Over decades, Hanbury and his collaborators, including botanists Ludwig Winter and Alwin Berger, cultivated thousands of species, making it one of Europe's most important acclimatization gardens. The gardens showcase diverse collections such as agaves, aloes, palms, succulents, and rare fruit orchards, alongside historic trees planted in the 19th century. Severely damaged during World War II, the gardens were restored post-war and are now managed by the University of Genoa. Recognized among Italy's most beautiful gardens, they offer visitors a unique blend of botanical richness, historic architecture, and breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea.
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Tip: Visit during spring and early summer for optimal blooming and pleasant weather. Advance booking is recommended for guided tours and special events. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Allow time to explore the diverse plant collections and enjoy picnic areas. Check official website for seasonal events and opening hours.
Interesting facts
- •The gardens were once home to nearly 6,000 plant species cataloged in 1912.
- •They contain some of the oldest specimens of Araucaria cunninghamii (1832) and Pinus canariensis (1870) in Europe.
- •A mosaic of Marco Polo dating from 1888 is displayed under the garden's entrance portico.
- •The gardens include a segment of the ancient Roman consular road Via Julia Augusta.
- •In 2007 and 2011, the gardens were listed among the 10 most beautiful gardens in Italy.
History
The gardens were founded in 1867 by Sir Thomas Hanbury, who purchased the Palazzo Orengo estate and surrounding land to create a botanical garden with species collected worldwide.
His brother Daniel Hanbury and botanists Ludwig Winter and Alwin Berger contributed to its development.
By 1912, the garden catalog listed nearly 6,000 species.
After Sir Thomas's death in 1907, his family continued the work until World War II caused severe damage and abandonment.
In 1960, the Italian state acquired the gardens, which were later entrusted to the University of Genoa in 1987.
Restoration efforts have continued since, and the gardens were declared a nature preserve in 2000.
A UNESCO World Heritage nomination was submitted in 2006.
Place Guide
Entrance Portico and Marco Polo Mosaic1888
The garden's entrance features a historic mosaic depicting Marco Polo, created in 1888 by Antonio Salviati, welcoming visitors into the botanical paradise.
Historic Plant Collections
Explore diverse plant collections including agaves, aloes, succulents, palms, and tropical fruit orchards with species such as Actinidia, Carica, and Macadamia, showcasing the garden's role in acclimatization and botanical study.
English-Style Landscape and Scenic Views
The gardens are designed in a romantic English style with irregular paths, rustic pergolas, and patios offering picturesque views of the Ligurian Sea and the surrounding coastal landscape.
Contact
Phone: 0184 229507
