Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Garden), Leiden (must see)
The Botanical Garden is one of the oldest gardens in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world. It is located in the southwestern part of the historical center of Leiden, by the old Observatory. The Garden was authorized for the University of Leiden in 1587. It was intended for the benefit of medical students. Famous Botanist Carolus Clusius was appointed Prefect.
The original Garden, set up by Clusius, held more than one thousand species of plants. There were many new plants brought by the Dutch East India Company. Today there are more than 10,000 species from around the world thriving in different beds. There is a flesh-eating collection and collections of ancient cycads.
The University works with the Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity in the research and cultivation of endangered species of plants. Botanical Garden dates from 1744. Tropical greenhouses are from 1938 and a Winter Garden from 2000.
The Japanese Garden, which opened in 1990, reflects the exchange of plants and knowledge among cultures. The jewel in the crown of the Botanical Garden, the Amazon Water Lily, may be worshiped in the Victoria Greenhouse. A reconstruction of Clusius' original garden, based on a plant list dating from the end of the 16th century, was opened in 2009.
Once only open to students and serious researchers, the Botanical Garden is now open to the public. Admire the gardens and greenhouses and visit the cafe terrace for lunch. The Botanical Garden is also available for wedding ceremonies.
The original Garden, set up by Clusius, held more than one thousand species of plants. There were many new plants brought by the Dutch East India Company. Today there are more than 10,000 species from around the world thriving in different beds. There is a flesh-eating collection and collections of ancient cycads.
The University works with the Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity in the research and cultivation of endangered species of plants. Botanical Garden dates from 1744. Tropical greenhouses are from 1938 and a Winter Garden from 2000.
The Japanese Garden, which opened in 1990, reflects the exchange of plants and knowledge among cultures. The jewel in the crown of the Botanical Garden, the Amazon Water Lily, may be worshiped in the Victoria Greenhouse. A reconstruction of Clusius' original garden, based on a plant list dating from the end of the 16th century, was opened in 2009.
Once only open to students and serious researchers, the Botanical Garden is now open to the public. Admire the gardens and greenhouses and visit the cafe terrace for lunch. The Botanical Garden is also available for wedding ceremonies.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Leiden. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Garden) on Map
Sight Name: Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Garden)
Sight Location: Leiden, Netherlands (See walking tours in Leiden)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Leiden, Netherlands (See walking tours in Leiden)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Leiden, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Leiden
Creating your own self-guided walk in Leiden is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
In the Footsteps of Young Rembrandt
Once a thriving hub for trade and textile manufacturing, and a home to Holland's oldest university, Leiden also made history as the birthplace of Rembrandt van Rijn, one of the greatest visual artists of the mankind, renowned for his ingenious use of light and shadow, and life-like portraits. The Golden Age of the Netherlands can still be felt in Leiden, especially if you follow in the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
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In 1060 Alewin I, landlord of Leiden, built his fortified keep, the "Burcht" ("Fort"). The village of Leiden huddled around the fortified... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
In 1060 Alewin I, landlord of Leiden, built his fortified keep, the "Burcht" ("Fort"). The village of Leiden huddled around the fortified... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles