One of the world's oldest university botanical gardens, founded in 1544 by Luca Ghini and moved to its present site in the following century.
Pisa's Botanical Garden, run by the University of Pisa, was established in 1544 by the physician and botanist Luca Ghini, making it one of the earliest university botanical gardens in the world. It moved to its current location in 1591 and has been expanded over four centuries. Today it holds thousands of plant species, including a historic magnolia, greenhouse collections and a museum of botany. It offers a quiet green space in the dense old town, with shaded paths and a pond. The garden is still used for teaching and research.
| Admission | Adult Small entry fee, under EUR 10 (~$12); confirm the current rate at ortobotanico.unipi.it · Child Reduced or free for young children |
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| Hours | Daily with seasonal variation, typically about 8:30AM to 7:00PM in summer (last admission one hour before closing); check ortobotanico.unipi.it |
| Typical visit | 1 hour |
| Best time | Spring, when the garden is in bloom |
| Getting there | 10-minute walk from Piazza dei Cavalieri; 25 minutes on foot from Pisa Centrale |
| Address | Via Luca Ghini 13, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- nature lovers, gardeners, families
Location
Via Luca Ghini 13, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
43.7213, 10.4040 View on map
Highlights
- Garden founded in 1544
- Historic greenhouses and plant collections
- Quiet paths in the old town
Tips for visiting
- Visit the greenhouses and the historic conservatory in cooler months
- Combine with a walk to Piazza dei Cavalieri
When to visit
April to June for flowering, or any morning in summer to avoid heat.
Accessibility
Main paths are gravel and mostly flat; some areas have steps. Confirm arrangements with the garden before visiting.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is the Orto Botanico worth a visit?
Yes, for a quiet break from the crowds near the Tower; allow about an hour.