5/5 Ugo Terzi (Golfo di S. 8 months ago on Google • 140 reviews
The
Giardino
della
Minerva,
also
known
as
the
Orto
Botanico
di
Salerno
(Botanical
Garden
of
Salerno),
is
a
historic
and
beautiful
garden
located
in
the
city
of
Salerno,
Italy.
It
is
one
of
the
oldest
botanical
gardens
in
Europe
and
has
a
rich
history
dating
back
to
the
medieval
period.
The
Giardino
della
Minerva
was
originally
established
in
the
early
14th
century,
around
1309,
by
Matteo
Silvatico,
a
physician,
and
botanist.
Silvatico
was
the
personal
physician
to
Queen
Sancha
of
Aragon,
who
ruled
over
the
Kingdom
of
Naples.
The
garden
was
initially
created
as
a
medicinal
herb
garden,
and
its
primary
purpose
was
to
cultivate
and
study
medicinal
plants
for
the
benefit
of
the
royal
court.
Over
the
centuries,
the
garden
evolved
and
expanded,
serving
various
purposes.
It
was
used
for
educational
and
research
purposes
by
scholars
and
botanists.
In
the
16th
century,
the
garden
was
expanded
and
reorganized
by
the
famous
botanist
and
physician
Luca
Ghini.
During
the
18th
century,
the
garden
was
further
developed,
and
its
layout
was
influenced
by
the
principles
of
the
Baroque
style.
It
became
a
place
of
both
scientific
research
and
leisure,
with
a
focus
on
aesthetics.
Today,
the
Giardino
della
Minerva
is
not
only
historically
significant
but
also
a
place
of
great
beauty.
It
covers
an
area
of
approximately
1.2
hectares
and
is
divided
into
various
sections,
each
dedicated
to
different
types
of
plants.
Some
of
the
key
features
and
areas
within
the
garden
include:
1.
**Medicinal
Garden**:
The
garden
still
maintains
its
original
purpose,
with
a
rich
collection
of
medicinal
plants.
Visitors
can
learn
about
the
historical
uses
of
these
plants
in
medicine.
2.
**Historical
Architecture**:
The
garden
features
beautiful
historic
structures,
including
a
Baroque-style
pavilion
and
decorative
fountains,
which
add
to
its
charm.
3.
**Terraces
and
Panoramic
Views**:
The
garden
is
built
on
terraces,
providing
visitors
with
panoramic
views
of
the
city
of
Salerno
and
the
Gulf
of
Salerno.
4.
**Heritage
Trees**:
The
garden
is
home
to
some
ancient
and
remarkable
trees,
including
centuries-old
olive
trees.
5.
**Educational
Activities**:
The
garden
hosts
educational
programs
and
activities,
making
it
a
place
for
learning
about
botany,
history,
and
traditional
herbal
medicine.
6.
**Botanical
Collections**:
In
addition
to
medicinal
plants,
the
garden
contains
a
diverse
collection
of
other
botanical
specimens,
including
exotic
and
rare
plants.
7.
**Cultural
Events**:
The
Giardino
della
Minerva
is
also
a
venue
for
cultural
events,
such
as
concerts
and
exhibitions,
which
further
enhance
its
appeal.
The
Giardino
della
Minerva
is
not
only
a
place
of
historical
significance
but
also
a
serene
and
beautiful
spot
where
visitors
can
immerse
themselves
in
the
history
of
botany
and
appreciate
the
natural
beauty
of
the
garden.
It
serves
as
a
living
testament
to
the
long
tradition
of
botanical
study
and
appreciation
in
Italy.
