Arboretum Mlyňany
Nitra Region
Arboretum Mlyňany, located near Tesárske Mlyňany in the Nitra Region of Slovakia, is the country's most significant dendrological institution. Established in 1892 by Hungarian nobleman Dr. Štefan Ambrózy-Migazzi, the arboretum spans 67 hectares and houses more than 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from the Mediterranean, America, Africa, and Asia. The site includes the historic Ambrózy manor, built in 1894 with a distinctive tower added in 1905, which serves as the park's central feature. The arboretum's landscape is divided into several thematic sections such as the Ambrózy Park, North American, East Asian, Korean, and Slovak areas, each showcasing flora native to these regions. It functions as a scientific research facility under the Slovak Academy of Sciences and is open to the public year-round, except on some holidays. Visitors can enjoy a 4.5 km main trail that winds through diverse collections and natural habitats, highlighting the arboretum's unique combination of botanical diversity and historical heritage. The arboretum also survived challenges such as a harsh winter in 1928/29 and storm damage in 2008, demonstrating its resilience and ongoing importance in botanical conservation and education.
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Tip: Visit Arboretum Mlyňany during spring and early summer to experience the peak bloom of many plant species. Tickets can be bought on-site, but check the official website for any seasonal closures or events. The arboretum offers discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the 4.5 km main trail and consider guided tours for deeper insights into the collections. Note that some renovation works may occasionally affect access to certain areas, so verify current conditions before your visit.
Interesting facts
- •The arboretum houses over 2,300 species of woody plants from all continents except Antarctica.
- •It includes distinct sections representing flora from North America, East Asia, Korea, and Slovakia.
- •The Ambrózy manor within the arboretum was built in the late 19th century and features a characteristic tower added in 1905.
- •In 2008, a severe storm with winds up to 144 km/h caused significant damage, uprooting and breaking 26 rare trees.
- •The arboretum is a scientific institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences and conducts botanical research and conservation.
- •It is one of the oldest and largest arboreta in Central Europe, with origins dating back to the 19th century.
History
Arboretum Mlyňany was founded in 1892 by Dr.
Štefan Ambrózy-Migazzi, who was inspired by his visits to southern Italy's vegetation.
The Ambrózy manor was completed in 1894, with a tower added in 1905.
The most intensive planting period occurred between 1905 and 1910.
The First World War and a severe winter in 1928/29 caused setbacks, but the arboretum was nationalized in 1947 and declared a protected natural area in 1951.
It became part of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in 1953, which led to restoration and scientific development.
Subsequent decades saw the addition of thematic areas, including expeditions to China and Korea to enrich the collection.
Place Guide
Ambrózy Manor and Park1894
The historic manor built by the arboretum's founder serves as the core of the park. Visitors can admire the architecture and explore the surrounding 40-hectare Ambrózy Park, which features a unique collection of evergreen broadleaf trees and conifers, alongside remnants of the original oak-hornbeam forest.
East Asian Section1960
Covering 14 hectares, this section was established in 1960 and is subdivided into areas representing the flora of the Far East, Northern China, Central China, Southern China, the Himalayas, the Caucasus, and Japan, showcasing a rich diversity of Asian woody plants.
North American Section1974
Founded in 1974, this 7.5-hectare area exhibits tree species native to North America, illustrating the continent's varied forest ecosystems within the arboretum's landscape.
Korean Section1985
The newest major section, established in 1985, spans 5.5 hectares and offers a dedicated trail showcasing Korean native species, reflecting the arboretum's ongoing expansion and international botanical cooperation.
Slovak Section1992
Started in 1992, this 5-hectare area features native Slovak woody plants and includes an educational nature trail marked in blue, emphasizing local biodiversity and conservation.
Contact
Phone: 037/633 42 11
