Orto Botanico di Palermo
Orto botanico di Palermo
A university botanic garden founded in 1789, with a Neoclassical greenhouse and a giant Australian banyan with aerial roots. An oasis in the middle of the old town.
The Orto Botanico di Palermo is run by the University of Palermo. Founded in 1789, it covers about 10 hectares and holds more than ten thousand plant species, known especially for its tropical and subtropical collections. The elegant Neoclassical 'gymnasium' building marks the entrance. Inside you'll find a water-lily pond, a cactus area, a bamboo grove and a huge Australian banyan whose aerial roots hang down to the ground. It's a good place to rest after exploring the old town. Admission is about €10, and it is next to the Villa Giulia park, so you can stroll between them.
Opening hours
About 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (earlier closing in winter)
Nearby sights
- Palazzo Abatellis (Regional Gallery of Sicily)
- Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri
- Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum
- Admiral's Bridge (Ponte dell'Ammiraglio)
- La Vucciria
- La Martorana & San Cataldo
- Santa Caterina Church & Monastery
- Chiesa del Gesù (Casa Professa)