Orto Botanico dell'Università di Pavia | Grandi Giardini Italiani

History

Pavia Botanical Garden, the most ancient of Lombardy, was founded in 1773 by order of empress Maria Theresa. Born as an institution devoted to the study of multiple aspects of the plant world, since 2017 it is a museum of the University of Pavia, where the traditional research and teaching activities meet scientific divulgation and environmental education, directed to a ever-growing and variegated public.
In 2024, thanks to a project funded by PNRR, collections and infrastructures were renewed to ensure a more sustainable and inclusive address of fruition and management. The collections, extended over the garden's 1.5 hectares surface, reflect the long and diversified history of this institution. They comprise more than 150 trees, among these the Scopoli Plane Tree, planted by Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in 1778 and currently reaching 45 m of height. Emblematic are also the Rose Garden, including more than 300 individuals of wild, ancient and modern cultivated roses, and Pavia Tea, a cultivar of tea plant selected in the botanic garden in early 20th century for its resistance to frost.
The Scopoli Greenhouses, designed by Giuseppe Piermarini, host aged cacti, spurges and cycads, besides an outstanding plant of Welwitschia mirabilis. Pools and fountains are inhabited by rare and endangered water plants, among these Isoëtes malinverniana, endemic of the Po Plain. The Forbidden Vineyard evidences the past role of the Garden in the development of the Kingdom of Italy's viticulture, while the recent Bamboo Garden inspires relax and meditation. The fruition is currently allowed by new thematic itineraries, addressed also to kids. One of these is devoted to the wild birds living in the botanic garden, whose biodiversity benefits from the sustainable management practices.

The Great Green. Eco-Sustainable Practices

The Botanical Garden of Pavia is actively committed to promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Over the years, it has implemented various initiatives:

◆ Energy Efficiency

Installation of a high-efficiency lighting system

◆ Revitalisation and Enhancement of Plant Heritage

Planting of 1,000 new shrubs and trees, primarily native species
Routine maintenance of green areas through the pruning of dead or dangerous branches; extraordinary maintenance including stability assessments carried out by certified arborists on the monumental plane tree, considered a habitat tree. The surrounding area has been fenced off to prevent soil compaction caused by foot traffic, with the creation of a protected zone and a reduction in mowing interventions.
Irrigation: the Botanical Garden of Pavia is equipped with an automated irrigation system calibrated to the needs of individual plantings. Additionally, the University Museum System has implemented water recirculation systems for the fountains.

◆ Eco-Friendly Green Space Management

Use of natural fertilizers and complete avoidance of herbicides and pesticides
Mulching technique for grass cutting: a special lawnmower finely shreds the clippings, which are then left on the lawn as a thin layer of organic material. This helps improve soil health and nourish the grass.
In support of decomposer fauna, small wood piles made from pruning waste have been placed in selected areas

◆ Biodiversity Enhancement and Promotion

Reduction of mowed surface areas
Introduction of berry-producing shrubs, a bird feeder, and an insect hotel
Fountain management has helped maintain a colony of European green toads (Bufotes viridis)
Restoration of plant collections funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), focusing mainly on native species and ancient cultivars

Grandi Giardini Italiani Srl

Grandi Giardini Italiani Srl